Water in the world - protecting an alpine catchment

Stage 4 (Years 7-8), Geography, Thredbo-Perisher area

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Overview

Visitor on the Dead Horse Gap track, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Murray Vanderveer/OEH

Snow covered landscape and snow gums in Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Murray Vanderveer/OEH

Moss along Perisher Creek, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

High country, Perisher to Charlotte Pass in Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

Snow and ice cover on Mount Perisher in winter, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

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School excursions in NSW national parks

We are currently taking bookings for school excursions. Not all excursions are being delivered as per the usual program due to rules outlined by NSW Health. Alternative learning options with NPWS include online digital resources or incursions delivered at your school. Please contact your National Parks education contact or the relevant local park office for more information.

Water in the world - protecting an alpine catchment is a school excursion in Kosciuszko National Park for Stage 4 (Years 7-8) geography students. Learn about the management of water quality at a ski resort and the importance of protected catchments in this area.

On this school excursion, students will examine the ecological and economic value of Kosciuszko National Park, where rivers, glacial lakes and rare plants and animals are protected. These catchments provide water for irrigation, hydroelectricity, and many communities downstream.

While in the park, students will uncover the features and vulnerabilities of the alpine catchment at Charlotte Pass. They’ll then travel to Perisher ski resort to see the impacts of human use on the environment, and the management strategies used to protect water quality in the area. Lastly, students will head to Rennex Gap to survey the landscape and explore its biodiversity.

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

Stage	Stage 4 (Years 7-8)
Learning area	Geography
Student outcomes	GE4-1. Locates and describes the diverse features and characteristics of a range of places and environments GE4-5. Discusses management of places and environments for their sustainability GE4-7. Acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using geographical tools for inquiry
Objectives	Students will: Examine the climatic processes that cause high precipitation for the mountains of south/east Australia Explore the characteristics of the catchment that retains and regulates the flow of water through the environment Investigate approaches needed to manage human disturbance within the catchment Identify and map the animals and plants of some unique communities found in the alpine and sub-alpine environments, including endangered sphagnum bogs and fens.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school terms from November to May.
Where: Kosciuszko Education Centre, Thredbo-Perisher area
Duration: 4hrs 30min
Grading: Easy. Short walks into the field, occasionally on gravel tracks and uneven surfaces.
Price: $300 per group for up to 25 students (includes GST). For groups over 25 conditions apply.
Accessibility: Hard
Meeting point: Kosciuszko Education Centre, Sawpit Creek
Equipment provided: Yes. Worksheet masters, weather recording instruments, and flora and fauna identification material will be provided.
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.