Science in the Wetlands
The LEAH STEM Group are organising an interschool event for National Science Week, titled “Science in the Wetlands“. This event will take place on Friday 18th August and will include activities based on the National Science Week 2017 theme “Future Earth”.
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A group of Year 4 & 5 students from our 3 primary schools will gather together for a day of activities that explore biodiversity and conservation in local wetlands. Students will meet at the Purtinga Environmental Centre & Wetlands at Cornerstone College, Mt Barker and will participate in a series of hands-on activities that explore Water Monitoring, Revegetation Techniques, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Health and the use of Drones & other technology in conservation. Activities will be led by Cornerstone College staff & students, Natural Resource Management Groups & Environment Specialists. The activities will build on the increased focus on environment and sustainability within our schools and support Australian Curriculum outcomes, Inquiry Based Learning, STEM subject participation and Nature Play activities.
Through presentations, interactive displays and hands on activities, students will build on their Science & Technology understanding and inquiry skills, as outlined in the Australian Curriculum. In particular, the activities will support Science & Technology achievement standards, where students
- analyse how the form of living things enables them to function in their environments
- classify substances according to their observable properties and behaviours
- use equipment in ways that are safe and improve the accuracy of their observations
- collect, organise and identify patterns in scientific data
- explain how digital technology is used to meet scientific & environmental needs
- manage the creation and communication of ideas and information in online collaborative groups
The event will also
- engage students in science activities and allow them to explore future employment opportunities & career paths
- develop inter-school and community STEM relationships and resource sharing
- provide resources & plants for students to take away from the event to enhance the environment in their school, home or community
The LEAH STEM Action Group were fortunate to receive a $300 grant to use for the running of this event. The grant was received from the Australian Science Teachers Association, with funding from the Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. More details about National Science Week can be found on the National Science Week website .
