Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre is incredibly grateful for the ongoing support provided by STEP for our environmental education programs. STEP has funded both binoculars and, most recently, a pair of night vision binoculars that have already become invaluable teaching tools.
These resources have been used across a range of programs, especially our Biodiversity Camp at Muogamarra. The night vision binoculars have allowed students to safely observe nocturnal wildlife and better understand how species interact after dark. They have also supported several of our overnight programs, particularly during spotlighting walks where students observe the behaviour of possums, owls, microbats and other elusive species. STEP’s earlier grant for binoculars continues to make a difference as well, with these being used regularly across programs, particularly for bird watching.
The strong interest in the camp led us to expand the experience into a Biodiversity Day Program, giving even more students the chance to take part in fieldwork and real environmental investigations.
These programs align with the Department of Education’s focus on high potential and gifted education. HPGE supports students who show high potential in intellectual, creative, physical and social emotional domains. Our biodiversity programs fit naturally within this direction by offering meaningful extension experiences for students with a particular passion for science and the environment.
We are very grateful for STEP’s continued support. Their generosity is making a real difference to the quality and reach of outdoor learning for young people in our community.
Correspondence from Brad Crossman, Teacher, Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre