School excursion

Biodiversity survey

Stage 4 (Years 7-8), Science, Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

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Overview

The biodiversity survey school excursion in Kosciuszko National Park for Stage 4 (Years 7-8) students focuses on Science. Investigate what 'biodiversity' means and use field equipment to assess the biodiversity of sample quadrats along a transect in the montane forest.

Read more about Biodiversity survey

Students use a variety of equipment and techniques to gather information about the soil, weather, plants, animals and impact of people on the area.

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

Stage Stage 4 (Years 7-8)
Learning area Science
Student outcomes

SC4-14LW. Relates the structure and function of living things to their classification, survival and reproduction

SC4-6WS. Follows a sequence of instructions to safely undertake a range of investigation types, collaboratively and individually

Objectives

Students will:

  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the term ‘biodiversity ’including genetic, species and ecosystem biodiversity
  • Explain why a biodiversity survey is conducted and how biodiversity can be measured
  • Use equipment and follow a sequence of instructions to measure and record biodiversity in the field
  • Conduct a biodiversity survey by completing individual and team tasks
  • Access information about local plants and animals from identified secondary sources such as reference books
  • Prepare posters and present information collected to an audience in a clear and concise fashion
  • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the relevance of data and information collected from a biodiversity survey.

Excursion details

When

Weekdays November to May.

Availability
Guided. Available on request.
Where
Kosciuszko Education Centre, Thredbo-Perisher area
Duration
6hrs 30min
Grading
Easy. Short walk in terrain with uneven surfaces and no tracks.
Price

$25 per student, $400 minimum fee.

Accessibility
Medium
Meeting point
Kosciuszko Education Centre, Kosciuszko Road at Sawpit Creek, 14 kms from Jindabyne towards Perisher.
Equipment
provided
Yes. Teacher's notes and all worksheets, field scientific equipment, identification books and keys, resources and poster stationery are 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.
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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-4-science-biodiversity-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 visitor info

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Biodiversity survey.

Program outline

  • Welcome, introduction to staff, safety briefing
  • Biodiversity – what is it?
  • Field equipment and task briefing
  • Snack
  • Biodiversity survey
  • Lunch
  • Preparation of posters
  • Presentations and conclusion

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

There are several asphalt and bitumen carparks at the education centre. There's also bus and off-street parking.

What to bring

Please wear fully enclosed shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, wet weather gear, and lunch which should be low waste with a refillable water bottle. Students should bring gear in a backpack or similar (not plastic bags).  Please note: Students should have their own copy of the excursion worksheet, a clipboard and pencil.

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

Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly