If you’re looking for something different to do with the family on the weekend, Earthwatch has some fantastic hands-on family experiences that are fun, education and contribute to science. Children as young as ten can participate and learn all about field work directly from a scientist - what's sure to be an inspiring and educational experience. New dates are now available for two family expeditions, Bandicoots on the Brink in Sydney and Melbourne’s Microbats.
Bandicoots on the Brink – Family Camping Weekend
Families can enjoy the privilege of camping out overnight inside the hidden wonders of the spectacular North Head Sanctuary while helping save the long-nosed bandicoot from extinction. Volunteers will get a taste of life in the research field alongside the expertise of Wildlife Ecologist Dr Nelika Hughes while helping to protect native bandicoots from predators. 
By being involved as a participant you and your family will become part of the research team and use remote sensor, infrared cameras and scent lures to attract and film predators. You will also use GPS to record habitats and analyse footage recorded.
Join a family weekend team on November 18-29 for a just $195 adults, $155 child age 10-17. Prices include all food and accomodation and funds raised go towards continuing this important research.
“I loved being involved in a conservation project. Before this, I did not know that bandicoots were locally endangered. It was a great day and I enjoyed walking through the scenic bushland.”
– Volunteer, Bandicoots on the Brink 2010
Melbourne’s Microbats
Enjoy a complete dusk til dawn experience with your family and enjoy the privilege of sleeping overnight inside the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne – something usually unavailable for the general public. Working with researchers Dr Rodney van der Ree and Lisa Godinho, you and your family will become part of the field research team by conducting real, hands on science.
You will help to survey bats using harp traps and record ultrasonic bat calls with hand-held bat detectors
and GPS equipment. You'll learn all about the threats facing bats in urban environments like Melbourne and investigate the diet of urban bats using light traps.
Melbourne's Microbats is a wonderful way to get involved with science and do your bit for the environment together with your family and other families.
Join a Microbats family team for $89 adults and children $69 (aged 10-17) today. Your money includes food and accomodation and also goes towards ensuring the research continues well into the future.
Dates:
Saturday 12 November
Saturday 26 November
Saturday 11 February
Saturday 25 February
Saturday 3 March
“It was a terrific experience! Being in the gardens at night and exploring the ecosystems was a sensory adventure. The view of the city, the smells, the animals & having the opportunity to see a microbat was great!” – Volunteer, Melbourne’s Microbats 2010