Year 6 River Explorers
Regardless of who we are, where we live, and what we do, we all have a moral obligation to each other, our future generations, and other species to sustain the planet.
Exploring this concept, our Year 6 students are looking at ways to improve the quality of our lives, protect our ecosystem and preserve natural resources for future generations.
As part of their Eco Warriors unit, the girls (aka River Explorers!), headed down to the banks of the Swan River foreshore for some science observations.
Students visited two locations for the excursion, including Attadale Conservation Area and Dyoondalup Reserve.
The girls completed a senses exercise, jotting down notes on what they could see, hear, smell and feel. They were also encouraged to identify problems for the sustainability of living things in the area, as well as look for evidence of sustainable actions by humans.
Part of the day also included a perception activity, where the girls drew a sketch of the landscape in front of them, brainstorming what they thought changed over time and how.
Students also had the chance to work on their photography skills, collecting images of plants, animal and insect species, as well as signs, foreign objects, rubbish and other miscellaneous objects!
To finish off the day, the girls watched a documentary named ‘2040’, which follows Damon Gameau on his global journey to meet innovators and changemakers in the areas of economics, technology, civil society, agriculture, education and sustainability. A must watch for all!
We asked the girls how they felt about the excursion, and they had lots to say:
“I enjoyed taking photos with the cameras. I also enjoyed learning about the two locations we went to and taking time to listen and observe lots of different things.” Charlotte Yeo (6.8)
“I had lots of fun at the excursion, but my favourite bit was sitting down by the river having recess and drawing the picture of the point. It was calm to look at the river it felt like I was having a picnic. I learnt that it’s easier to hear things more when your eyes are shut.” Ruby Fuller (6.9)
“It was interesting to see how much rubbish there was at the foreshore, there were bins everywhere but there was still rubbish on the ground. I enjoyed watching the 2040 documentary in the afternoon and I imagined rooftops covered in gardens in the future.” Lolani Hatch (6.9)
Well done to all girls for coming up with some great ideas and observations. The staff were very impressed with what they saw!
- Adaptability, Creativity, Featured, Learning4Life, ProblemSolving
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.