School excursion

Environmental scientist

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

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Overview

Primary students learn to think like an environmental scientist in this Stage 3 Science and Technology excursion. They'll investigate living things and their habitats in Kosciuszko National Park, and then plan and do their own simple scientific investigation.

Read more about Environmental scientist

Students will explore the importance of the Scientific Method and will come to understand the difference between knowledge and opinion. They’ll also be introduced to the key elements of scientific enquiry including:

  • Questioning and forming the hypothesis
  • Making a prediction based on impartial observation
  • Planning a random and repeatable investigation
  • Analysing the data and communicating the results.

For program outline, safety and practical information about this excursion, see info for teachers

Stage Stage 3 (Years 5-6)
Learning area Science and Technology
Student outcomes

ST3-1WS-S. Plans and conducts scientific investigations to answer testable questions, and collects and summarises data to communicate conclusions

ST3-4LW-S. Examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things
Objectives

Students will:

  • Use a variety of equipment and field techniques to examine features and characteristics of environments  
  • Learn that scientific investigation involves making predictions and conducting investigations to test those predictions 
  • Use a range of methods to classify and represent their data and findings

Excursion details

When

Booking by arrangement, September to May (not during winter).

Availability
Guided.
Where
Kosciuszko Education Centre, Thredbo-Perisher area
Duration
4hrs
Grading
Easy
Price

$375 per group (includes GST). Maximum 30 students per group. Conditions apply for groups over 30.

Accessibility
Medium
Meeting point
Kosciuszko Education Centre
Equipment
provided
Yes
Booking
If you would like to organise a NPWS school excursion please get in touch with local staff or use the 'Enquire' link for the online form.
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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/education/stage-3-science-technology-environmental-scientist-kosciuszko-national-park/local-alerts

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Operated by

Park info

  • in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains region
  • The Thredbo-Perisher area is open all year, but some roads and trails may close due to weather conditions or park management issues. Kosciuszko Road is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass in winter (June to October long weekends).

  • Park entry fees apply on Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road

    Winter (June to October long weekends): $29 per vehicle per day (24hrs from purchase); motorcycles $12; bus passengers $11.45 per adult, $3.60 per child per day. Find out more about the winter entry surcharge.

    Rest of Year: $17 per vehicle per day (24hrs); motorcycles $7; bus passengers $6.60 per adult, $2.20 per child per day.

    Passes: Day passes, multi-day passes and annual All Parks Pass available from NPWS visitor centres, local agents and operating vehicle entry stations. Single and Multi-Day passes are also available via the Park'nPay app. Short Breaks Pass: $68 for 5 days park entry at price of 4 days (not valid winter).

    Read our Annual Pass FAQs for information.

    Buy annual pass (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).
See more info for teachers

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Environmental scientist.

Program outline

  • Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety briefing 
  • Test 1 Habitat survey: Students record the living and non-living features of a natural site and a site changed for human use. They’ll learn how to demonstrate the repeatability of a good investigation.
  • Test 2 Canopy cover: After predicting their results, students measure the canopy cover of the forest. This helps them discuss how the structure of a forest can change the habitat and food available for animals. 
  • Test 3 Bug hunt: Highlights ways to categorise living things and communicate results. 
  • Test 4 Leaf damage investigation: Students help develop a test to answer a question about the forest.
  • Bush walk and Scientific Method reflection
  • Wrap up and depart

Getting there and parking

Kosciuszko Education Centre is in the alpine area of Kosciuszko National Park, close to Perisher. To get there from Jindabyne:

  • Drive along Kosciuszko Road from Jindabyne towards Perisher Valley
  • The education centre is around 12km from Jindabyne
 

Road quality

All 2WD vehicles need to carry snow chains in winter, between June and October long weekends, on:

  • Kosciuszko Road (to Perisher)
  • Guthega Road
  • Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin

Snow chains are recommended for all vehicles driving in the park, including 4WD and AWD, in the event of extreme weather. Read our snow driving in Kosciuszko tips.

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • Snow chains required after snow

Parking

Car, bus and off-street parking is available.

What to bring

Please wear long pants, closed comfortable shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. Be ready for all weather conditions with a jumper and raincoat. And remember to bring food and any necessary medications.

It’s a good idea to pack your belongings in a backpack rather than a plastic bag because we have some curious birds who may try to break in and share your lunch with you.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Pre activity briefing: participants will be briefed at the start of the activity/day.

Safety equipment: NPWS staff carry radios and first aid kits, hold current first aid certificates and are aware of emergency procedures.

Staff accreditation: NPWS staff have current Senior First Aid accreditation. They are experienced in working with groups of students in the natural environment and have excellent knowledge of the specific areas they are visiting including potential hazards. NPWS is committed to a Child Safe and Friendly Environment. Our staff have been screened for child-related employment and have completed a Working with Children Check.

Emergencies: NPWS staff are trained to deal with emergencies and emergency procedures are in place. Ongoing supervision of a student following first aid treatment will be the responsibility of the visiting school.

Risk assessment and risk benefits

Our rangers and guides have the technical skill and experience to assess the risks and the benefits of a variety of activities delivered as part of our learning programs.

We believe in including opportunities that allow students to learn and experience for themselves through exploration in the natural environment.

Please make your own risk assessment based on the information provided. Detailed potential risks and controls are provided for the site to assist teachers in risk management planning. Teachers and carers should be aware of, and consider the needs, abilities and medical conditions of students when visiting this site. The supervision of students remains the responsibility of the teacher. The school must ensure an adequate number of adult supervisors are present.

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

Assistance may be required to access this area.