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School excursion

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Mountain pygmy-possum

Stage 6 (Years 11-12), Geography, Thredbo-Perisher area

Overview

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Mountain pygmy-possum is a Stage 6 (Years 11-12) school excursion that focuses on Geography. Students will hone their fieldwork skills while they explore the habitat of one of Australia’s unique and endangered species: the mountain pygmy-possum.

Read more about Mountain pygmy-possum

This Stage 6 Geography excursion allows students to obtain a solid understanding of the geographical processes that influence the mountain pygmy-possum habitat. Students will gather data and use a variety of fieldwork techniques as they explore the boulder fields around Charlotte Pass Village. They’ll also discuss the impacts and future implications of climate change on the mountain pygmy-possum. 

This excursion is designed to support the topics ‘Earth’s natural systems’ and ‘Ecosystems and global diversity’. It also counts towards two hours of fieldwork. 

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

Stage Stage 6 (Years 11-12)
Learning area Geography
Student outcomes

GE-11-01. Examines places, environments and natural and human phenomena, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions and changes over time

GE-11-02. Explains geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments

GE-11-07. Applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments

GE-12-01. Analyses rural and urban places, ecosystems, global biodiversity and economic activity, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions, and nature and extent of change over time

GE-12-02. Analyses geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments

GE-12-07. Selects and applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments
Objectives

Students will:

  • Explore the boulder field and discuss how the mountain pygmy-possum has adapted to the harsh environment
  • Use fieldwork techniques to assess the abiotic environment, such as topography, orientation, temperature, wind speed and direction
  • Identify some of the mountain pygmy-possum's relationships with other species, including competition and predation
  • Discover how scientists are researching the mountain pygmy-possum to understand and protect them
  • Observe the human impacts and discuss the various management strategies to protect the mountain pygmy-possum
  • Discuss the impact and implications of climate change on mountain pygmy-possums and their future.

Excursion details

When
Weekdays November to April.
Availability
Guided. Available on request.
Where
Charlotte Pass lookout, Thredbo-Perisher area
Duration
2hrs
Grading
Medium. Guided tour and activities on boulder fields and along an unsealed path.
Price
$15 per student. Minimum $300 per group up to 20 students.
Entry fees

Park Use Fee applies for the hours you are not undertaking Kosciuszko Education Centre programs.

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Meeting point
Charlotte Pass Village carpark
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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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.

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