Eco Warriors Present Their Findings
Following their excursion to Attadale Conservation Area and Dyoondalup Reserve earlier this year, our Year 6 students presented their Eco Warrior projects to their classmates and teachers. Their projects were guided by the question ‘How might we help living things thrive in the Swan River?’
Each student picked a species that can be found in the Swan River area and based their project around what their chosen species needs to grow and survive; as well as analysed natural, human, and other threats it faces.
Through their research, the students devised solutions and inventions that might improve conditions and reduce threats to their species. There were also many suggestions of how sustainable practices can benefit Swan River species.
The projects took many forms, including posters, animations, websites, booklets, dioramas, etc. All were highly engaging and successful at communicating the needs of the chosen species.
We asked a few students about what they learned through their projects and what they found interesting; here’s what they had to say:Â
“My Eco Warriors project was about protecting blue manna crabs. I designed an app that provided facts about the species and its biggest threats. It also showed how to prevent the threats, such as spotting invasive species like the Asian paddle crab. I liked this project because I got to be creative, and I also connected with it because I go out crabbing with my dad, and now I can tell the difference between male and female Blue Manna Crabs. I felt like, overall, the assessment was really fun!” Isabella Daniel 6.9
“Our Eco Warriors project was a good learning experience and made me realise that our Earth needs to be taken care of. In my project, I made an animation and booklet designed for young children to learn about the Long-Necked Turtles in our Swan River. I decided to focus on this species because I discovered they could not properly nest as people were unintentionally stepping on their habitat due to their poor visibility. My project would hopefully bring awareness.” Ella D’Souza 6.6
“I chose the black swan because they are only found here and are symbolic of Western Australia. I created a bin to collect rubbish or pollution in the river, with a special cover that ensured the rubbish stayed in and didn’t flow back out. Black swans suffer from habitat loss, and pollution is destroying their water quality. One million sea birds die annually from pollution, mainly plastic waste. So my invention will lessen the plastic waste in the water and allow the Black Swans to thrive.” Poppy Hambling 6.8
“I chose the sacred kingfisher as my Eco Warrior species. It is a fascinating animal with many threats to its survival. I made posters and a mini-game to educate all ages about how they can help reduce the threats to the Kingfisher. I suggested we build a sanctuary to mitigate the feral animals that kill the Kingfisher; this way, we can protect it from harm. I enjoyed learning about kingfishers and didn’t know that kookaburras were kingfishers until I started this project. I want everyone to recycle and pick up their rubbish better.” Anabella Lewis 6.10
As a result of their investigation, many Year 6 students have developed a passion for their chosen species as well as the Swan River ecosystem. We can’t wait to see how they will continue to be Eco Warriors throughout the future, to help living things survive.
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
