Hands-on Science in Khao Phra Thaew National Park

As part of their Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) course, the Grade 11 students recently visited Khao Phra Thaew, one of Phuket’s last intact rainforests. The trip offered students a rare opportunity to explore one of Thailand’s most ecologically significant areas while applying scientific fieldwork techniques in a real-world setting.

During their visit, students practiced systematic data collection methods using transect lines and quadrats to observe and record the biodiversity within the forest. They gathered information on plant and animal species, evaluated the abundance and distribution of organisms, and began interpreting ecological relationships within the ecosystem.

Visiting Khao Phra Thaew provided a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation in Thailand. Covering over 2,000 hectares, the park is a biodiversity hotspot home to rare and endangered species such as the slow loris, barking deer, and various orchids. It serves as a living laboratory where students can witness the delicate balance of tropical biodiversity and human impact.

By studying in Khao Phra Thaew, our students are not only learning about ecosystems, they’re also experiencing firsthand why protecting them matters.