IB ESS Students In the Wild!

IB ESS Students In the Wild!

Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) Students explore Kaeng Krachan


In the heart of Thailand’s sprawling wilderness lies Kaeng Krachan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity and subtropical splendor. Thirty-four students from Bangkok Patana School’s Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) course embarked on a five-day journey into this biodiverse reserve. Their mission? To explore the intricate balance of abiotic and biotic systems while honing critical scientific skills.

As part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Group 4 curriculum, this field study represents a cornerstone of learning for these budding environmental scientists. Armed with state-of-the-art equipment, students conducted rigorous investigations into the park’s ecosystems, measuring dissolved oxygen, soil and water quality, nutrient levels and light intensity. Their goal: to understand how subtropical environments function and adapt, all while contributing to their practice Internal Assessments, which account for a significant portion of their final grade.

The learning, however, extended far beyond numbers and data points. For many students, this was their first chance to immerse themselves in such an ecologically vibrant setting. Highlights of the trip included observing rare wildlife like the Malayan Sun Bear – affectionately nicknamed “Pumpkin” – who became a near-constant companion during their time in the park. Students were also treated to sightings of Spectacled Langurs, Stump-tailed Macaques, and an array of bird species, all of which brought textbook theories to life in ways no classroom could replicate.

But the trip wasn’t just about marveling at the wildlife. It was about digging into the science. Working in small groups, students applied field techniques to collect and analyse data, designing ecological investigations to answer complex questions about stream health, grassland dynamics, and the park’s biodiversity. By the end of the week, these young researchers had developed sophisticated insights into the intricate relationships that define a subtropical rainforest biome.

This hands-on experience wasn’t just a thrill for the students—it was a testament to the power of experiential learning. Teachers were impressed by the students’ ability to collaborate, innovate, and produce high-quality scientific work under real-world conditions. “The enthusiasm and dedication the students displayed were incredible,” remarked one of the ESS instructors.

As the students now compile their findings into polished Internal Assessments, they leave Kaeng Krachan with more than just grades on the horizon. They take with them a deeper understanding of the environment, a suite of valuable skills, and memories of a once-in-a-lifetime educational adventure.

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