1.3 Keeping our water clean

What we are learning

            To all parents and caregivers, this week during our HASS studies we will be investigating the effects of pollution in our environment. The Australian Curriculum  confirms that understanding how environmental systems interact with one another is a major goal of achieving sustainability. To do this in the classroom, we will be conducting an experiment. By experimenting with different forms of pollution (oil, rubbish and plastic) children will investigate ways that they can then remove this rubbish from the water. The class will record ideas and make suggestions as to how the pollution may be removed. After conducting the initial experiment, students’ will campaign against littering in our school yard.

Why we are learning?

            As we walk around the yard we can see rubbish thrown everywhere. For students to appreciate the effect that this rubbish can have on our waterways and environments, they will research the issue and discover solutions. Allowing students to explore environmental issues is intended to promote deep understanding. After the students’ are able to identify pollution and dropping rubbish as an issue, the class will devise strategies and ideas to improve littering in our school yard. Within the Australian Curriculum, students are asked to reflect critically and act creatively to consider more sustainable practices and ways of living. To minimise the amount of rubbish in the school yard, children are going to be using creative and innovative posters. The major goal of this learning is to minimise the litter in our yard and consider sustainable practices, creating a clean environment that our schooling community can be proud of.

How we are learning?

            Using the below link, students will be introduced to the topic of water pollution.

https://www.emaze.com/@ACWFTFQR/Water-Pollution  

            The tasks within this lesson sequence are intended to be authentic and meaningful. By conducting the initial pollution experiment and through campaigning for a clean school yard, children are learning about issues related to themselves. Authentic tasks integrate knowledge and are effective through project based lessons. Our project will consist of solutions and ideas that can be used within our school yard to create a clean environment.

Lesson structures and ideas

·      Introductory video

·      Pollution experiment

·      Suggestions and ideas to remove pollution from waterways

·      Signs demoting litter

·      Monitoring litter in the schoolyard (improvements)

Through this list of lessons, students’ will have the opportunity to make sense of the information and piece it together in a meaningful way. Seeing the effects of pollution in the experiment, creates a strong basis leading into our campaigning and demotion of litter across the school.

What can you do?

When out and about, holding your rubbish, or at large events, being a great role model for your children and throwing your rubbish in the bin can set a great example. Having plastic and reusable drink bottles, lunch boxes and containers will prevent the amount of rubbish being thrown around in our school yard and the wider community.