Karen Player, Author at Australian Environmental Education

August 12, 2025August 12, 2025

Spark Curiosity: Environmental Science made easy!

National Science Week is the perfect time to immerse students, families, and curious minds of all ages in nature-based science adventures. I’ve got some ideas below to spark your curiosity!

Dive Into Virtual Excursions & Online Classes

Even if your students can’t head outdoors, they can still journey into compelling environments:

Science trivia: 1pm on Wednesday 13 August: Test your knowledge of the ologies – a subject of study. 1pm on Thursday 14 August: Test your knowledge on the Animal Kingdom.
My Journey Beneath the Waves: Explore Sydney’s rocky reefs, kelp forests, and sponge gardens through live virtual excursions. Perfect for discovering marine biodiversity and fragile coastal ecosystems.
What’s in Your Backyard: Turn your own backyard into a science lab. Investigate local wildlife by observing animal signs and traces—learn about the creatures that call your neighbourhood home.
Life on Earth: Travel back 4.6 billion years and explore Earth’s geological history through fossils and ancient Australian animals.

Hands-On Science: Experiments at Home or School

Ignite wonder with DIY experiments using everyday materials:

Eruption Volcano: Create a mini volcano using baking soda and vinegar to simulate eruptions—scientifically fun and visually exciting.
Stra wberry DNA: Have science fun by extracting DNA from a strawberry. DNA is in the cells of every living thing and is found in structures cell called chromosomes. Discover these building blocks of life in your kitchen.

Check out these fun and educational science experiments. Create some amazing experiments using some simple household ingredients. Make sure you have an adult helping too.

Find out more

Citizen Science: contribute to real research

Empower young learners by letting them contribute to meaningful science projects. Students can engage in wildlife monitoring and environmental data collection. Many projects are supported by the Bureau of Meteorology and local institutions—perfect for hands-on learning and scientific discovery.

Find out more

CSIRO Wild Watch

CSIRO Wild Watch calls curious minds – young and young-at-heart – to connect with nature and form a nationwide team of citizen scientists. Young people, schools, community groups and families can head outdoors, observe local flora and fauna, and contribute valuable biodiversity data for Australian research.

Help track Australia’s biodiversity and add your observations to the iNaturalist app.

CSIRO Wild Watch calls curious minds

Themed Explorations: Deepen the Learning

Frame your activities around key environmental themes and integrate discussion, reflection, and action:

Biodiversity & Habitats: Activities like “Create a Frog Hotel,” “Make an Insect Hotel,” or building a wildlife garden are both science-rich and creative. Australian Environmental Education
Water & Rivers: Celebrate World Rivers Day by exploring river ecosystems and discussing river conservation. Australian Environmental Education
Threatened Species Awareness: Commemorate Threatened Species Day (September 7) by learning about endangered Australian species and brainstorming ways to protect them— perhaps even creating wildlife-friendly backyards. Australian Environmental Education

Tips for Educators, Families, and Science Champions

Blend formats: Mix hands-on experiments, virtual experiences, and video storytelling for varied and inclusive learning.
Localise the science: Use backyard observations or citizen science tied to your region to make content personally relevant.
Extend into cross-curriculum links: These activities align beautifully with environmental studies, Earth science, literacy, and creative arts.
Share the excitement: Encourage students to present findings via posters, presentations, or online platforms like blogs or class socials.

National Science Week is a celebration of curiosity, discovery, and environmental stewardship. With these dynamic resources you can inspire a love of science, empower learners of all ages, and nurture the next generation of environmental explorers.

July 30, 2025August 1, 2025

The Forgotten Reefs: Teacher professional development session

The NSW Oyster Reef Restoration and Research Project is learning more about the ecology of oyster reefs and restoring these unique marine habitats so they can do their job again – naturally. I have had the pleasure to work with the team to develop a series of education resources highlighting shellfish reefs and the restoration project.

Shellfish Reefs:

Graphic on how shellfish reef benefit the environment

The three learning packages explore shellfish reefs across NSW, their ecological importance, and efforts to restore them. The learning packages not only include information a wealth of information focused on oyster reefs, but also provide opportunities to engage students with interactive learning experiences through excursions, fieldwork, hands-on activities, and extension tasks.

Some activities are designed to complement an excursion to the travelling ‘Bidhiinja – Restoring Our Oyster Reefs’ exhibition. Other excursion and fieldwork activities have been included if you live too far away from an exhibition location or are unable to visit.

Teacher professional development webinar

During the session teachers will learn about the new education resources the Forgotten Reefs that have been developed through this project for primary and high school students. The webinar will provide the following:

Background on the NSW Oyster Reef Restoration and Research Project
The importance of oyster reefs
Tips on how to use the new learning packages

Forgotten Reefs webinar promotion image showing oysters cleaning water

Live webinar at 3.30pm on Thursday 7 August AEST

Find out more about the NSW Oyster Reef Restoration and Research Project

Learn more

The Forgotten Reefs learning packages were funded by the NSW Government through the Marine Estate Management Strategy, which aims to deliver a healthy coast and sea, managed for the greatest wellbeing of the community, now and into the future.

July 8, 2025July 8, 2025

Plastic Free July

Join millions of people reducing their plastic waste this July. Plastic Free July is important because it encourages people worldwide to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics, contributing to cleaner streets, oceans, and communities. By participating, individuals can make simple changes that reduces plastic waste and its harmful effects on the environment, wildlife and human health.

Tips to reduce plastic waste and to prevent ocean pollution: sustainable lifestyle, environmental protection and zero waste concept infographic — © elenabsl

Be part of Plastic Free July by pledging to refuse single-use plastics?

The website is full of great ideas to make it easy for you to make changes in all parts of your life.

One change can make a big difference

Plastic free July website

Australians are embracing sustainable living in their daily lives and want to transition to hosting a sustainable events. If you’re planning to throw a celebration that leaves a minimal environmental footprint, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to put on a sustainable party.

How to host a sustainable party

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution. By part of the change!

January 30, 2025January 30, 2025

World Wetlands Day 2025

World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2 February every year. It is time for everyone to understand the importance of wetlands. This years theme is Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future. Wetlands are areas of land saturated or flooded with water permanently or seasonally. There are a variety of wetlands including:

Coastal wetlands: saltwater marshes, estuaries, mangroves, lagoons, coral reefs
Inland wetlands: marshes, peatlands ponds, lakes, rivers, floodplains, swamps, fens
Human-made wetlands: fish ponds, reservoirs, saltpans

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, providing essential services such as:

Water purification – Wetlands filter pollutants, improving water quality for both wildlife and humans.
Flood control – They absorb excess rainfall, reducing the impact of extreme weather events.
Biodiversity hotspots – Wetlands are home to countless species, from birds and fish to insects and amphibians.
Climate resilience – They store carbon, helping mitigate the effects of climate change.

Despite their importance, wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests due to urban development, pollution, and climate change. By understanding and protecting these ecosystems, we can secure the future of our water resources and biodiversity.

In Australia there are 66 Ramsar sites wetlands of international importance covering about 8.3 million hectares. These sites include iconic wetlands such as Kakadu National Park, Roebuck Bay, Gippsland Lakes, Moreton Bay, Blue Lake, Macquarie Marshes and the Coorong.

The main threats to wetlands in Australia are:

river regulation and water diversion
land reclamation and development
catchment disturbance
introduction of weeds and pest animals
climate change

This World Wetlands Day, take action to support wetland conservation:

Visit a local wetland – Explore these unique habitats and learn about the species they support.
Participate in a clean-up – Join a community group to remove litter and improve wetland health.
Plant native vegetation – Help restore wetland areas by planting trees and aquatic plants.
Educate others – Share knowledge about the importance of wetlands in classrooms and online.

I’m based in the Central Coast in NSW and it is surrounded by a number of estuaries and coastal lagoons, from Lake Macquarie in the north to the Hawkesbury River in the south. Within the Central Coast it is estimated there are about 870 hectares of mangroves, 190 hectares of saltmarsh and 1,780 hectares of seagrass.

Find a wetland near you to explore this weekend!

Wetland Finder

Join us in celebrating World Wetlands Day 2025 by taking steps to protect these vital ecosystems. For more information and resources, visit https://www.worldwetlandsday.org and follow us for upcoming events and activities!

Check the health of your local wetland with the Wetland Audit.

Wetland Audit

Let’s work together to ensure a sustainable future for our wetlands and water resources!

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024

World Soil Day

World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil for the sustainable management of soil resources. Our planet’s survival depends on the link with soil. Over 95 percent of our food comes from soils and 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants.

The theme for the WSD celebration in 2024 is “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage.” This theme highlights the importance of accurate soil data and information in understanding soils characteristics and supporting informed decision-making on sustainable soil management for food security.

Find out more about World Soil Day

What is soil?

Soil is the thin layer of material covering the earth’s surface and is formed from the weathering of rocks. It is made up mainly of mineral particles, organic materials, air, water and living organisms—all of which interact slowly yet constantly. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and they are the main source of food for humans, animals and birds. Therefore, most living things on land depend on soil for their existence.

Graphic: SoilLife Get Dirty! Get Connected!

Soil is a valuable resource that needs to be carefully managed as it is easily damaged, washed or blown away. If we understand soil and manage it properly, we will avoid destroying one of the essential building blocks of our environment and our food security.

Find out more about Soils

November 8, 2024December 20, 2024

Cicada Season

The sound of summer has reached my backyard in the last few months with the increase in cicadas. It started with the small species (potentially the Black Squeaker Atrapsalta encaustica), followed the Red Eye Cicada Psaltoda moerens and then the Eastern Double Drummer Thopha saccata. Since then I have been looking every morning to find newly emerged cicadas.

Hundreds of cicadas have now emeged in my backyard creating an extremely loud chorus. This has been making it extremely difficult to identify the different species involved. I have been able to add the Greengrocer Cyclochila australasiae and the Floury Baker Aleeta curvicosta to the chorus.

Cicadas are the loudest insects in the world and emerge from their underground world in late spring and summer. The peak Cicada season is November and December.

Cicadas spend most of their life underground with many large Australian species living underground as nymphs for around 6-7 years. This is why in certain years some species are more abundant than others, there is often peaks every few years.

The life of an adult cicada is very short, lasting only a few weeks. The female cicada lays its eggs by piercing plant stems and inserting the eggs into the slits it has made. The eggs hatch and are small, wingless nymphs. They fall to the ground and burrow below the surface. They live on the sap from plant roots and when the nymph reaches full size it digs its way to the surface. The nymphs then climbs on to a tree trunk or other object and sheds its skin for the last time. The fully-winged adult cicada which emerges leaves its old empty skin behind.

Did you know?

Australia has an estimated 750 to 1000 species of cicada
Only male cicadas sing. They do this in an attempt to find a mate.
Different species have different songs to attract only their own kind.
Adult cicadas have short lives, usually only a few weeks.
Most of their lives are spent as nymphs underground. For some species this can be up to several years.
Cicadas feed only on plant sap using their piercing, sucking mouthparts.
Cicadas feed on a huge range of plants, including eucalypts and grasses.
Birds, bats, spiders, wasps, ants, mantids and tree crickets all prey on cicadas.

This is a video I recorded in my backyard in early November 2024

Listen out for the sounds of cicadas and keep an eye out for their exoskeletons on trees, walls, fences and shrubs.

Use this image from David Emery to help you identify some of the common Australian Cicadas.

Identify some of the most well-known Australian cicada species: David Emery

If you love cicadas too, then follow Cicadarama. They are an Australian-based project focused on learning about the lives of cicadas. They need your help, become a Citizen Scientist and log your Cicada sighting. https://www.cicadarama.com/

Great Cicada Blitz

This project aims to record cicada observations in the greater Sydney Region. The project is being hosted on the iNaturalist website, and anyone can download the free iNaturalist smartphone app to record observations. Photos of specimens and even audio files for recording cicada calls can be attached to observations to identify. It’s all free!

Find out more

Updated 20/12/2024

November 3, 2024November 3, 2024

Creating a Thriving Wildlife Garden: A Success Story

Transforming a garden into a thriving wildlife sanctuary is a rewarding and impactful way to support local biodiversity and connect with nature. I have had a great time working on the garden and creating a space that is relaxing for me and haven for local wildlife.

My goal was clear: design a garden that would support native flora and fauna while creating an inviting natural oasis. Native plants were chosen for their resilience and compatibility with local species, while a dragonfly garden with a water feature was included to attract dragonflies, damselflies, and frogs. By providing a habitat with food, shelter, and water, the garden aimed to draw in various species and give them a safe place to thrive. I now have a Water Dragon that lives nearby, tadpoles, damselfly and dragonfly nymphs living in the pond.

I started the process of The transformation was almost immediate. With the native plants taking root, insects and small animals quickly followed. The pond became a lively centre of activity, home to dragonflies, damselflies, and tadpoles. Stripe marsh frogs and common eastern froglets were soon heard calling, marking the garden as a hotspot for native frogs.

Key Elements of the Wildlife Garden

Native Plants and Vegetation: Carefully selected native plants formed the backbone of the garden. Hardy shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants created a layered structure that mimicked local bushland. These plants provide food and shelter for insects, birds, and small mammals while requiring minimal maintenance.
Dragonfly Garden and Pond: The heart of the project was a small pond, ideal for attracting dragonflies, damselflies, and native frogs. Shallow and shaded at the edges but deeper in the centre, the pond was lined with rocks and aquatic plants that offered ideal spawning grounds for tadpoles and larvae, adding biodiversity to the garden ecosystem.
Log and Rock Piles: Strategic log and rock piles added structure to the garden, offering hiding spots for reptiles, insects, and small mammals. These features also help to retain moisture, creating a microhabitat that attracts invertebrates, which in turn attract other wildlife up the food chain.

During the night I hear the unmistakable calls of the Powerful Owl and Southern Boobook Owl echoed through the garden, suggesting that even these top predators were taking note of the new ecosystem. The presence of these owls, which rely on small mammals and other prey, indicated that the garden was supporting a complex food web.

Dragonfly Garden infographic © Australian Environmental Education

The increase in insect life attracted various bird species, enriching the biodiversity and adding another layer to the garden’s ecosystem.

Creating a successful wildlife garden is not only about design but also about patience and careful observation.

This wildlife garden is a testament to the impact of intentional, eco-friendly gardening, proving that even small spaces can support diverse and thriving ecosystems. For anyone inspired to start their own wildlife garden, this success story offers a roadmap and motivation to begin. By embracing native plants and creating a few key habitats, any garden can become a sanctuary for local wildlife, benefiting both the environment and the community.

September 22, 2024February 21, 2025

Moray Magic

Todays dive was great and long overdue. I hadn’t been in the water since I moved to the Central Coast at the end of 2023. My sister and I went to the Haven on the Central Coast. It was a beautiful spring day, a liitle surgy in the water and not great visability, but wow, it was amazing.

Green Moray, *Gymnothorax* *prasinus* ©John Turnbull

The Haven is a sheltered bay nestled beside the Skillion at Terrigal. It is a diverse marine ecosystem consisting of boulders, crevices, kelp, patches of seagrass and sandy zones. creating the perfect habitat for a variety of species.

On this dive we had the privilege of witnessing an incredible underwater battle between a moray eel and an octopus! As we moved along the reef, my sister spotted an octopus tucked into a rocky hole, its skin shifting in colour and texture to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. We stopped to have a closer look, fascinated by its ability to camouflage. But something else had its eye on the octopus— a large moray eel.

Moray eels are ambush predators, using their strong jaws and sharp teeth to grab unsuspecting prey. This particular eel, a green moray, slowly slithered out from its hiding spot, its mouth opening and closing as it tasted the water for scent. The octopus, sensing danger, pulsed a deep reddish-brown and extended its arms cautiously.

In a sudden burst of speed, the moray lunged! The octopus shot out a cloud of ink, attempting to escape, but the eel was relentless. It twisted its long, muscular body through the rocky crevices, trying to corner the octopus. In a brilliant display of intelligence, the octopus squeezed into an impossibly tight crack, leaving the moray snapping at empty water.

This battle between two skilled hunters played out for several minutes— the eel darting, the octopus dodging, each using their unique adaptations to survive. Eventually, the octopus managed to slip away into the reef, leaving the moray with a only tentacle for a feast.

This rare moment was an amazing example of predator-prey interactions in the marine world. Both the octopus and the moray eel are crucial to the ecosystem, playing roles in keeping the reef’s food web balanced. Witnessing this firsthand, highlights just how dynamic and unpredictable nature can be.

Moray Eel

Despite their fearsome appearance, morays are not considered dangerous to people. In Australia the Green Moray, Gymnothorax prasinus occurs in temperate coastal waters.

Port Jackson Shark

Port Jackson Shark, Heterodontus portusjacksoni are very common this time of year. The teeth of the Port Jackson Shark are not serrated and are used to hold and break, then crush and grind the shells of molluscs and sea urchins.

Smooth Stingray

We saw a huge Smooth Stingrays Bathytoshia brevicaudatais hiding in the sand when we were on the way back to shore. We could see the tail sticking out and the rest of the body was covered itself in sand. You could just see the outline of the stingray and the eyes sticking out above the sand. The Smooth stingray are the largest stingray in the world, but sometimes still hard to spot.

The Haven continues to be one of my favourite dive sites for experiencing marine biodiversity up close. Whether it’s being inspected by the local Blue Gropers, or the high-speed drama of a hunting eel, every dive offers something new to discover.

What can you do to help preserve this amazing

Experiences like this also remind us of the importance of protecting our oceans. Marine ecosystems face growing threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. As divers and ocean lovers, we can help by practicing responsible diving including

avoiding disturbing marine life
reducing our plastic use
removing underwater rubbish, hooks and fishing line
supporting conservation efforts.

Places like The Haven thrive because of community efforts to keep our waters clean and healthy. By respecting the ocean and spreading awareness, we can ensure future generations get to experience these breathtaking underwater moments.

Have you had any unforgettable encounters while diving? Share your stories in the comments below!

September 20, 2024September 20, 2024

World Rivers Day

World Rivers Day is a celebration of the World’s Waterways! It highlights the many values of our rivers, strives to increase public awareness, and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world. Rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, and only through our active involvement can we ensure their health in the years ahead.

Murrumbidgee river — Murrumbidgee River © Bidgee

Australia has 439 rivers, many of these rivers are quite small and are tributaries that flow into larger rivers.

Celebrate World Rivers Day with me for Riverfest. Riverfest is the Parramatta River Catchment Group’s annual event – celebrating the Parramatta River and surrounding creeks and environment!

I will be delivering FREE live virtual excursions on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 September. If you are in Sydney you can join me at the Paint the River on World Rivers Day event at Paramatta Park on Sunday 29 September.

Where the river meets the sea title slide

FREE live Virtual Excursion at 2pm on Thursday 26 September

Book Now

Water and the Environment Trivia FREE live Virtual Excursion at 1pm on Friday 27 September

Book Now

A river is a natural watercourse flowing towards an ocean, sea, lake or another river. In some cases, a river flows into the ground and becomes dry at the end of its course without reaching another body of water.

Find out more about Rivers

A catchment is an area where water is collected by the natural landscape. A catchment is usually surrounded by hills or mountains. Gravity causes rain, melting snow and other water in the catchment to run downhill where it flows into creeks, rivers, lakes and eventually the ocean. The water that seeps below ground and settles in the soil and the space between rocks is called groundwater.

Find out more about Catchments

September 7, 2024September 8, 2024

Threatened Species day

Threatened Species Day is recognised across the Australia on 7 September every year to raise awareness of plants and animals at risk of extinction. Threatened Species Day acknowledges the death of the last remaining Thylacine, Tasmanian tiger at Hobart Zoo in 1936.

Thylacine with chicken — © Henry Burrell

Australia is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife, with unique species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. But with this rich biodiversity comes an unfortunate reality: many of our native animals are on the brink of extinction. Since European settlement, more than 100 species have been lost.

Unfortunately Australia is home to more than 1,800 species currently listed as threatened, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants. Threatened Species Day is a call to action. It’s a moment to reflect on the species we’ve lost and a powerful reminder to protect those we still have.

The key drivers of species decline in Australia include:

Habitat destruction: Urbanization, land clearing for agriculture, and mining have destroyed vast areas of natural habitat.
Invasive species: Introduced animals such as foxes, cats, and rabbits have devastated native wildlife populations.
Climate change: Rising temperatures, bushfires, and prolonged droughts are pushing species beyond their limits.
Pollution: Waterways and ecosystems are increasingly under threat from pollution, including plastic waste.

Threats to Biodiversity infographic - Deforestation, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of natural resources

How You Can Help

Saving Australia’s threatened species might seem daunting, but there are actions each of us can take to make a difference. Here are some meaningful ways to get involved:

Support Conservation Organizations

Many non-profit organizations across Australia work tirelessly to protect threatened species and their habitats. Supporting groups like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, or local wildlife rescue centers through donations or volunteering can make a huge difference. Your contribution helps fund research, habitat restoration, and species recovery programs.

Create Wildlife-Friendly Spaces

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a small balcony, creating wildlife-friendly spaces is a practical way to help. Planting native trees and shrubs provides food and shelter for local birds, insects, and small mammals. Installing nesting boxes for birds, possums, or microbats can also offer safe havens for these creatures. Even small actions like placing water bowls out during the hot summer months can support local wildlife.

Say No to Single-Use Plastics

Plastic pollution is a major threat to marine life, with countless animals affected by ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic waste. Reducing your reliance on single-use plastics—like bags, straws, and packaging—can prevent these items from ending up in our oceans and rivers. Opt for reusable alternatives and dispose of waste responsibly.

Be a Responsible Pet Owner

Pets, especially cats and dogs, can pose significant threats to native wildlife. Keeping your pets indoors or supervising them outside, especially in areas where threatened species may live, can prevent them from hunting or disturbing local animals. Desexing pets and ensuring they are microchipped helps reduce stray populations, which often prey on wildlife.

Get Involved in Citizen Science

Many conservation programs rely on the public to help monitor species populations. Citizen science initiatives like BirdLife Australia’s backyard bird count, the Australian Koala Foundation’s koala surveys, or FrogID allow everyday Australians to contribute to important scientific data. These efforts help researchers track changes in populations and better understand the needs of threatened species.

Advocate for Stronger Environmental Laws

While individual actions are important, systemic change is essential for long-term conservation success. Stay informed about environmental issues and advocate for stronger environmental protections, particularly when it comes to land clearing, mining, and deforestation. Contact your local representatives, sign petitions, and participate in community meetings where decisions about land use are being made.

A Shared Responsibility

Saving Australia’s threatened species is a shared responsibility. Each one of us has a role to play, whether it’s through everyday actions like reducing waste, getting involved in local conservation projects, or speaking up for stronger environmental protections.

Threatened Species Day is a moment for reflection, but it’s also a call to action. Together, we can ensure that future generations have the chance to witness the beauty and diversity of Australia’s wildlife—not just in pictures or history books, but in the wild, where these creatures belong.

Let’s make a difference, today and every day.