Linking with Science Key Learning Area

It was the scientists who were one of the first to consider the environment as a priority study area and contribute to the development of environmental education itself. Individual student research projects in Science, Stages 4 and 5 could include:

• surveying animals in a local ecosystem and observe how numbers change over time
• testing water quality in a local creek. Suggest reasons for current quality and strategies to improve quality
• Investigating the effectiveness of recycling programs
• Investigating how abiotic features of an environment can vary over an area eg. a steep slope
• Designing an experiment to monitor the response of plants to changes in temperature
• Investigating the efficiency of generating electricity form renewable and non-renewable resources
• Investigating the distribution of lichen in relation to pollution levels
• Investigating the effectiveness of energy efficient products
• Researching and designing an energy efficient house.

• Landcare programs
• Participation in Streamwatch in conjunction with the local Catchment Management Trust; monitor the water quality of the local creek
• Research and understand the meaning of a catchment and its management, implement a management plan for the school and local area
• Greenhouse Progam involving the collection and recording of energy usage by the school, followed by suggestions on how to save energy
• The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme which encourages students to participate. This program develops leadership and an awareness of the environment
• Exhibits which encourage students to put together displays of their environmental programs at local shows, fairs, P&C meetings and festivals
• Excursions and incursions which can be organised in conjunction with local councils, businesses, local interest groups and mining companies in the context of how they are contributing to a sustainable environment. Career opportunities can be addressed also.