What ages are appropriate for School Incursions?

Programs are tailored for preschool through secondary students; educators adjust handling and content to suit the age group.

How long is each session?

Standard sessions run 30–60 minutes, and multiple rotations can be scheduled for larger cohorts.

Where do presentations take place?

Presentations occur at the school or educational setting entered in the booking form; a cleared indoor or shaded outdoor area is required.

Are the animals safe to handle?

Handling is supervised and age-appropriate; educators follow strict animal welfare and student-safety protocols at all times.

Do sessions align with curriculum standards?

Yes — content is designed to support national and state curricula on classification, ecosystems, and adaptations.

What if we need to cancel or reschedule?

Cancellation and rescheduling terms are provided at booking; contact the provider via the booking link to discuss changes.

Classroom Reptile Encounters: Hands-On Australian Wildlife Education for Schools

School Incursions brings live Australian reptiles into classrooms and community settings, delivering hands‑on, curriculum-aligned wildlife lessons that spark curiosity and respect for the natural world. Designed for preschool through secondary students, this program travels to your school or educational venue, transforming a tidy corner of a classroom into a focused learning space where students meet animal ambassadors — pythons, blue‑tongue skinks, bearded dragons, and freshwater turtles — under the guidance of trained wildlife educators. In a typical 30–60 minute session, the educator sets up, introduces species and key concepts like classification, adaptation, and ecosystems, then invites students to observe, ask questions, and sometimes carefully handle animals according to age‑appropriate safety protocols. The program emphasizes tactile learning and real‑time observation: how scales help conserve water, how camouflaged skin matches local habitats, and how temperature influences reptile behavior. These close encounters make abstract science tangible; students remember the flick of a tongue or the weight of a shell far longer than a textbook diagram. What sets this offering apart in the Australian outdoor recreation and education scene is the mobile, classroom‑centered model combined with conservation messaging. Rather than a trip to a zoo or reserve, the wildlife comes to learners, removing logistical barriers for schools and ensuring equitable access. The educators tailor content to national and state curricula, so the session doubles as curriculum delivery and memorable fieldwork. For regional schools or classes short on transport budgets, it’s a practical bridge to hands‑on natural history. Practical considerations make this experience classroom‑friendly: a cleared space for animals to move, basic hygiene routines before and after handling, and simple risk management to safeguard students and species. Programs support single classes or multiple sessions throughout a school day, and adapt tone and detail from preschool wonder to secondary‑level ecological concepts. For teachers and families looking to deepen outdoor and wildlife education, School Incursions functions as both a guest lecture and a portable living lab. The live animals are ambassadors for local habitats — teaching resilience, adaptation, and the importance of habitat protection. Whether you’re planning a science unit on classification, a unit about local ecosystems, or a special STEM week activity, this program offers a concentrated, educator‑led experience that brings Australian wildlife into the learning environment with safety, professionalism, and curiosity at its core. Bookings are flexible: choose a 30–60 minute session or block multiple rotations for larger cohorts, and indicate meeting details in the booking form so educators arrive prepared. Sessions include live-animal handling where appropriate, educator-led Q&A, and links to follow-up lesson plans (additional resources may be available at extra cost). With its low setup footprint and curriculum focus, School Incursions is an effective, scalable way to bring wildlife education into Australian classrooms.

About Reptile Encounters

Reptile Encounters is a Burwood, VIC-based wildlife education provider specializing in hands-on reptile and native animal experiences. The organisation offers a range of guided sessions including HQ Tours, school incursions, kids parties, corporate events and specialised zookeeper programs for youth. The Zookeeper for a Day programs (7–11 years and 12–18 years) allow participants to handle, feed and care for Australian reptiles, birds and mammals while learning practical husbandry and conservation principles. The Pathways Zookeeper Program (NDIS 14+) delivers a sensory-friendly, supportive environment designed for autistic participants and others who benefit from adapted learning. HQ Tours provide one-hour guided encounters to meet snakes, crocodiles and parrots with opportunities to hold selected animals and learn species-specific facts. Corporate Events and Stage Shows bring live reptile presentations to workplaces and functions to engage teams and guests. School Incursions deliver curriculum-aligned, hands-on lessons about ecosystems, adaptations and classification. Kids Parties combine education with entertainment through interactive animal handling and Q&A that can be customised. Staff at Reptile Encounters follow established welfare and safety practices to ensure animal care and participant well-being, and sessions include instructional briefings and supervised handling. Bookings are available for individual visitors, groups, schools and corporate clients. Reptile Encounters operates from Burwood, VIC and focuses on authentic, educational wildlife experiences that connect people with native Australian animals while promoting conservation awareness.

The Zookeeper for a Day (12–18 years) includes feeding reptiles and birds and offers a certificate on completion to recognise participation. Participants receive guided instruction and supervised animal interactions every session.

Classroom Reptile Encounters: Hands-On Australian Wildlife Education for Schools

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