Looking for a way to keep your kids engaged and learning during the school holidays? The Snowys Alpine National Park offers a hands-on experience that aligns with key curriculum points for NSW/VIC/QLD students.

Enhancing your children’s educational experiences in the Snowy Mountains can be both enriching and enjoyable. By tailoring activities to their educational stages, you can align outdoor adventures with curriculum goals. Below is a detailed guide, incorporating insights from the NSW National Parks’ school excursion programs.

From biodiversity to sustainability, here’s how you can incorporate educational activities based on your child’s school stage.

Stage 4 (Year 7 & 8): Understanding Biodiversity

At this stage, students begin to learn about biodiversity and the role it plays in our ecosystem. They also start using equipment to record and classify different species. While exploring the Snowy Mountains, you can encourage your child to:

• Sketch different plants they see

• Record characteristics such as size, color, and shape

• Take photographs of flora and fauna

• Map their findings on a trail

Activity Idea: Flora Spotting Challenge 

Take a short day hike from Charlotte Pass and challenge your kids to record the most plant species they can find. Use a nature journal or a plant identification app to keep track!

Materials Needed:

• Notebook (or paper) and pencils for sketching
• Nature Journal or Plant-tracking app for identification
• Camera

Procedure:

1. Select a hike: Choose from one of dozens of hikes leaving from Charlotte Pass, traversing through the Kosi National Park
2. Stop and record each new flora: At regular intervals, stop to record/draw/photograph new species.
3. Record Observations: Start to challenge your kids with the names and key features of previously-identified plants as you come across them again.
4. Analyse Data: Discuss the variety and abundance of species found, noting any patterns or anomalies.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding sampling techniques in ecological studies.
• Recognizing the importance of biodiversity in ecosystem health.
• Developing skills in species identification and data recording.

This activity mirrors the “Biodiversity survey” excursion offered by NSW National Parks, where students use field equipment to assess biodiversity in the montane forest.

Stage 5 (Year 9 & 10): Deepening Biodiversity Knowledge

In these years, students move beyond basic observations to understanding how species interact and how ecosystems function. They explore genetics, species diversity, and the connections between different organisms.

For a more immersive learning experience, invest in some simple field equipment like magnifying glasses, binoculars, or a smartphone app for plant and animal identification. Select a section of the national park and conduct a small biodiversity survey by:

• Counting different plant species

• Observing animal behavior

• Identifying signs of wildlife such as tracks or droppings

Check out online biodiversity resources, like Atlas of Living Australia, to compare your findings!

Activity Idea: Ecosystem Interaction Study

Objective: Investigate the relationships between different species and their environment.

Materials Needed:

• Field journals
• Binoculars
• Camera or smartphone
• Soil testing kits

Procedure:

1. Observe Flora and Fauna: Note the different plant and animal species in a selected area.
2. Identify Interactions: Look for evidence of predation, pollination, or symbiosis.
3. Soil and Climate Analysis: Test soil pH and moisture; record temperature and light levels.
4. Document Findings: Photograph species and interactions; sketch maps of the study area.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems.
• Recognizing the interdependence of species.
• Developing analytical skills through environmental data collection.

This aligns with the “Biodiversity survey” for Stage 5 students, focusing on fieldwork skills in Kosciuszko National Park.

Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12): Investigating Human Impact & Sustainability

Students studying Geography, Environmental Science, or Biology at an HSC, VCE, or QCE level may cover topics related to the Alpine environment. Fieldwork is a crucial part of their coursework, involving recording and comparing elements such as:

• Geology and weather conditions

• Native plants and animal populations

• Human impact on the landscape

Activity Idea: Human Impact Analysis

Objective: Evaluate the effects of human activities on alpine ecosystems and propose sustainable solutions.

Materials Needed:

• Survey forms
• Cameras
• Access to historical land use data

Procedure:

1. Identify Human Activities: Note areas affected by tourism, infrastructure, or conservation efforts.
2. Assess Environmental Impact: Observe soil erosion, vegetation loss, or wildlife disturbances.
3. Compare Data: Use historical data to understand changes over time.
4. Propose Solutions: Suggest management strategies to mitigate negative impacts.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding the balance between human use and conservation.
• Developing critical thinking on environmental management.
• Applying geographical and ecological concepts to real-world scenarios.

This reflects the “Kosciuszko – a special place” excursion, focusing on human impacts and park management.

Explore & Learn Together!

The Snowy Mountains offer an incredible natural classroom for kids of all ages. Whether it’s a fun flora scavenger hunt, a scientific survey, or a discussion on sustainability, your trip to the Snowys can be both an adventure and a learning experience!

Additional Resources

• NSW National Parks Excursions: Explore tailored programs for various educational stages. NSW National Parks
• Biodiversity Resources: Access teaching materials and activities to further understanding. Sustainable Schools NSW

By engaging in these activities, students can connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications, fostering a deeper appreciation for environmental science and conservation.