Year 9 Students Design Penguin Nesting Boxes
Our Year 9 students are putting science into action by designing penguin nesting boxes to help protect WA’s little penguins. See how their classroom learning is shaping real-world conservation!
Turning Knowledge into Action
During their visit, students learnt about the pressures little penguins face, including habitat loss, rising temperatures and increased disturbance. Conservation groups often use artificial nesting boxes to create safer, cooler and more stable spaces for penguin pairs to raise their chicks.
Back in the classroom, the girls were keen to explore how these boxes work. Over several weeks, they researched penguin behaviour, nesting requirements and environmental threats before moving into the design phase.
Innovation Meets Marine Science
Students worked in teams to create their own model penguin nesting boxes, applying real scientific thinking to their designs. They considered materials, ventilation, insulation, drainage and predator protection, along with the practicality of cleaning and maintenance.
Although these were classroom models rather than boxes intended for Penguin Island, the design process helped students understand the complexities behind wildlife conservation and the thoughtful planning required to support vulnerable species.
Sharing Their Work
This week, students presented their nesting box designs to their classes. They explained the science behind their decisions, reflected on what they learnt, and demonstrated how their models could help improve conditions for penguin chicks if implemented in real-life conservation settings.
The presentations showcased excellent teamwork, creativity and clear communication, all essential skills in scientific inquiry.
A Project with Purpose
This project has strengthened students’ knowledge of marine ecosystems and highlighted how small, thoughtful design choices can contribute to larger conservation efforts. Most importantly, it encouraged students to think critically about the role humans play in protecting WA’s precious wildlife.
- Enironmental Learning, Featured, Inquiry Based Education, Little Penguin Habitat, Marine Science Education, Penguin Nesting Boxes, Santa Maria College Perth, Shoalwater Marine Park, STEM Projects, Student Conservation Projects, Year 9 Science
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.
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