Early Birds is a specially designed, low-sensory morning program where visitors (including autistic people and those with sensory sensitivities) can explore the museum before its regular opening in a calm, supportive atmosphere. Lighting and sound are reduced, unexpected loud noises (like dinosaur roars) are muted, and a quiet space is provided. Staff are trained in autism awareness, and a Visual Story guide helps visitors know what to expect. As part of the experience, participants can enjoy “Ask a Scientist” sessions, interactive touch tables, and early access to exhibitions (e.g. RELICS: A New World Rises). After 10am, the museum opens fully and exhibits revert to regular sensory levels.

HSIE: Human Society and its Environment

Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) STe-1WS-S: Observes, questions and collects data to communicate ideas. STe-2DP-T: Uses materials to explore solutions. HTe-1: Identifies families and describes how they are similar/different. GEe-1: Identifies places and why they are important to people. GEe-2: Identifies ways people interact and care for places. Stage 1 (Years 1–2) ST1-4LW-S: Describes observable features of living things and their environments. ST1-7DI-T: Uses digital systems and sequences of steps for tasks. HT1-1: Communicates an understanding of change and continuity in community life. GE1-1: Describes features of places and connections people have with places. GE1-2: Identifies ways people care for places and environments. Stage 2 (Years 3–4) ST2-4LW-S: Describes life cycles of living things and their dependence on environments. ST2-8ES-S: Describes Earth’s features and changes caused by natural processes. HT2-1: Describes and explains people, events and developments in the past. HT2-2: Explains how significant individuals/groups contributed to change. GE2-1: Examines features and characteristics of places. GE2-2: Describes interactions and connections between people, places, and environments. Stage 3 (Years 5–6) ST3-4LW-S: Explains adaptations of living things that support survival. ST3-8ES-S: Describes how scientific understanding changes through new evidence (e.g. fossils, extinction). HT3-1: Describes and explains change and continuity over time. HT3-2: Explains significance of people, groups, places and environments in the past. GE3-1: Describes diverse characteristics of places and environments. GE3-2: Explains interactions and management of environments for sustainability. Stage 4 (Years 7–8) SC4-14LW: Relates structure and function of living things to survival. SC4-15LW: Explains interactions between organisms and ecosystems. SC4-16CW: Describes the dynamic nature of the Earth (geological timescales, fossils). SC4-17CW: Explains changes in the Earth’s surface due to natural processes. HT4-1 / HT4-4: Describes historical concepts such as continuity, change, cause and effect. GE4-2: Explains processes and influences that form and transform environments. Stage 5 (Years 9–10) SC5-14LW: Analyses interactions between components of ecosystems. SC5-15LW: Explains theories of evolution by natural selection using fossil evidence. SC5-16CW: Explains past and present changes to the Earth and its environment. SC5-17CW: Explains how advances in scientific understanding develop over time. HT5-1 / HT5-4: Explains significance of people, groups, events and historical concepts. GE5-2: Explains processes and influences forming environments, sustainability, and change. Stage 6 (Years 11–12) Biology (Prelim & HSC): BIO11/12-1: Designs and evaluates investigations in Biology. BIO11-8: Analyses interactions between living things and ecosystems. BIO12-11: Explains the mechanisms and processes involved in biological evolution. BIO12-12: Explains non-infectious disease and disorders (linked to mass extinctions). Earth & Environmental Science: EES11-8: Describes the evidence for the Earth’s age and history (fossils, strata). EES12-12: Explains evidence and processes that influence Earth’s systems. Historical inquiry skills: using artifacts, interpretation, significance, perspectives.