Program

Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre's Frog Lab – Science in the Wetlands is a curriculum-aligned High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) science program for Stage 2 and Stage 3 students. Held at the Kalkari Discovery Centre in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, students work alongside a frog expert to investigate wetland ecosystems, observe live native frogs and conduct authentic scientific investigations. Through habitat surveys, water quality testing and biodiversity studies, students develop critical thinking, scientific inquiry and environmental problem-solving skills while extending their intellectual potential through real-world STEM learning.

Learning intentions

Students are learning:

how to identify frog species
the adaptations of a variety of frog species
to use scientific equipment to measure what frog need to survive

Special Notes

- One day workshop (9.15am-2.20pm)

- Maximum 6 students per school (DoE schools only)

- Teachers are NOT required to attend the workshop

- Teachers or parents are required to drop off and pick up students from the venue

- Capacity of 42 students each day

2027 dates TBA.

Please contact our centre to register your interest.

Key information

Learning activities

Meet a frog expert

Students will undertake an exciting hands-on workshop led by a visiting frog expert. In this session, they will observe and learn about live native frog specimens, exploring fascinating features such as adaptations, calls, life cycles, and the vital role frogs play in wetland ecosystems. The workshop encourages deep questioning and scientific curiosity, offering students a unique opportunity to interact directly with a specialist in the field of herpetology and gain insight into real-world science careers.

Investigating wetland habitats

Students embark on a guided habitat walk through the bushland and water environments of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Along the way, they investigate the key elements of frog-friendly habitats, including shelter, moisture levels, vegetation, and the presence of predators or pollution. As they observe the landscape, students reflect on the impacts of human activity and consider how habitat quality influences frog populations in the wild.

Water quality testing and scientific inquiry

In this practical, science-focused activity, students become field scientists as they test water samples from a local creek using real scientific equipment. They then link their findings to the needs of amphibian species, gaining insight into the connections between environmental conditions and biodiversity.

Suggested timetable

Time	Group A	Group B
9.15am	Arrival
9.30am	Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day Explore Kalkari
10.00am	Morning Tea
11.10am	Frog expert workshop	Habitat walk and water quality testing
12.00pm	Lunch
12.30pm	Habitat walk and water quality testing	Frog expert workshop
2.10pm	Wrap up
2.20pm	Conclusion and depart

Cost and details


2025 Cost	$40 per student - GST free This will be processed through the student's school NOTE: National Parks entry is included in the cost
Transport	Schools are required to organise transport for students to and from the location. Drop-off is available in the Kalkari Discovery Centre carpark.
Class numbers and size	Max. 6 students from each school Please contact the centre for more information
Risk assessments	A complete risk assessment will be sent to the school upon confirmation.
What to bring	Backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, mask. Students may wear sports uniform.
Adverse weather	On days where the weather is unsuitable (see risk assessment), a Gibberagong staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements.
Medical notifications	Notify Gibberagong EEC by completing and returning the medical form before the day. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking.
How to book	Teachers are to complete the booking form for participating students. Booking link