Outdoor Education is the best way to learn about the beauty in nature. There is a school near us who arrange 3 days of outdoor education for 50-60 year 11 students in two 3 day Marine biology trips.
They are taken to Fraser Island in 4WDs to explore the pristine waters of this the largest of the worlds sand Island.
Fraser Island has at least 40 lakes including half of the world’s perched dune lakes. Lake Boomanjin, the largest perched lake in the world, and is one of the island’s most picturesque. These freshwater lakes are of immense environmental, cultural and recreational value.
Other popular lakes on the island are Lake Wabby and Lake Birrabeen, and most popular of all Lake McKenzie.
Outdoor Education -What is going on in the lakes
A research study of the lakes, found that maybe the current level of tourists to the parched lakes, will have a long term effect on the ecological health of these systems.
What do we do ?
- Do we stop visitors to the lakes?
- Do we stop visitors using sunscreen?
Without tourist access to these lakes the tourist economy in this area will be non existent. Most people who visit this area, have heard about Fraser Island, its lakes and its natural beauty, and that is what they come to see.
The Maheno
Visiting the island and driving along the beach you will come across the wreck of the SS Maheno.
In 1935 this ship was being towed from Melbourne to Japan for scrap metal when it was caught in a strong cyclone. A few days later, on July 9, 1935 She drifted ashore and was beached on the eastern shores of Fraser Island.
During the Second World War the Maheno served as target bombing practice for the RAAF.
The second Photo is how the Maheno is today. The ship is still on the beach and has become severely rusted. Climbing on the shipwreck is not permitted.
There is still so much on this Island for any outdoor education experience.
Each time I visit this beautiful place I see something different. On this sand island even the size of the beaches can change with sand been taken away by higher than normal tides the movement of the sea changing the contour for short periods of time.
Not long ago June 2011 the area of Inskip Point had a huge sink hole appear, according to witnesses, it started as a small hole on the beach but, as the sand kept collapsing, it soon to 30 meters in diameter and showed no sign of stopping.
It disrupted the ferries taking visitors to Fraser Island for that weekend. Fortunately, the sinkhole stopped, with the ocean already returning Inskip beach to normal.
That showed us is just how quickly nature can take away the beach and then start returning them to back to normal.
Rita
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Outdoor a
Twitter: newlifeonroad
says:
Hello Rita,
Good to read about Outdoor Education! Love how they take the kids out of the classroom and into the wild to learn about nature. Its the best way to learn.
Cheers
Lisa
Twitter: jen_9_5
says:
Hi Rita
That was interesting information about the SS Maheno. Outdoor education, on the spot, is a great way to learn.
Hello Rita,
being outside to learn about the nature is great, as you really experience and not just listen or read about what you want to learn.
I have joined a Dwarf Minky Whale research trip this year for 5 days which was amazing outdoor education – I will not forget this experience ever again!
Cheers
Renee
Twitter: jackiestenhouse
says:
My own children also go on an outdoor education program each year to a different place where they have to cook their own meals and put up their own shelters. I think it is a wonderful idea. I really would love to visit Fraser Island one day soon considering I only live down the road from it.
Hi Lisa,
Yes I agree there is so much to learn with an outdoor Education, and a more relaxed way for kids to learn.
Hi Renee,
Yes to experience the outdoor education imprints in your memory in a way traditional education does not.
Hi Jenny ,
There is a board telling a little about the SS Maheno, but to see the wreck makes it so much more real. and the kids can then go and research more.
Hi Jackie,
I have been to Fraser Island on several occasions now, I love to see the faces of people when the see it for the first time the outdoor education is not just for the school kids. When you go stay for at least a week to experience it all
Hi Rita,
Never mind year 11 students, I quite fancy this outdoor education on Fraser Island myself. It sounds fabulous. Lucky year 11 students who get to go
Jan Littlehales recently posted..Top 10 Outdoor Activities for kids
Hi Jan,
If you get the chance to visit Fraser Island then go it truly is a unique and beautiful place.
just don’t try it on a one day tour you won’t see anything much at all 2 or preferably 3 days minimum.
Hi Rita
What a wonderful opportunity for school children. There is so much to learn from nature, it would be good to see more outdoor learning programs.
Hi Kerry,
I agree and it is better than being cooped up in classrooms
Twitter: mrsbullhunter
says:
Fantastic Post Rita.
Fresh air, learning and experiencing outside is wonderful for all kids no matter their age.
The life skills and friendships that would be generated are memories for a life time. Great idea!
We live five minutes walk to the beach, and it is amazing how much the beach can change, from being covered in sand to times when there is no sand at all. Nature has a way of changing it. Learning for kids isn’t confined to the classroom, so much for them to learn and experience. Great post Rita.