B Barber
Science Coordinator

Science

From this ...	to this!

Here are some of the latest developments in the St Jude's Wetlands ...

Development of a Wetland - A Short History

The Quality Teacher Program (QTP) provided an ideal opportunity for three partner Catholic Parish Primary Schools to work on a joint project that would benefit the staff on a professional level, gain experience in a hands on science research project and to utilise the school's environment to its full potential and allow for children to learn science in a practicable, achievable and relevant way.

The Principals of the partner schools, St Francis Xavier, Frankston, St Augustines Frankston and St Jude's Langwarrin wanted to establish and maintain Science based environmental projects. Through this project strong ties have been established with their local council (Frankston City Council). The Frankston City Council Environmental Officer, Mr Mark Batty was approached and became involved in the project.

This also led to the Council organising an Environmental Workshop - "Building Linkages with Your School' which involved all primary schools in the Frankston City Council region. Community, flora and fauna agencies and special interest groups such as Friends of Kananook Creek and Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Group are also involved in the partner school project.

The project is titled "Creation Of a Natural Environment" and is currently in the infancy stage. The project has allowed for ongoing support of teachers through professional development, field studies, visiting guest speakers and development specific to each school.

 

Each school's project is supported and sustained by the others as well as being specific to their own environment and resources. The individual projects are as follows:

St Francis Xavier: A Biosphere - creation of a biosphere in a central courtyard of the school. Frankston to propagate native plants to share between the schools.



St Jude's Wetlands before, during and after construction

St Augustines Environmental Landscape - creation and extension of an environmental area rich Baxter in native and indigenous flora and fauna utilising the existing bushland surrounding the school.

St Jude's Wetland Landscape - From waste land to wet land. Creation of an effective ecosystem within a wetland environment. The area is to be used by staff and students as an outdoor environmental education area.

Teachers will be able to incorporate new knowledge and experience into the classroom program and with their students take an active role in the day to day running of the project. Lessons incorporate a hands on approach to biological and environmental units and teachers are modifying teaching styles to incorporate a research focussed strategy to learning..

The projects have raised awareness within the school and wider community for the need to take responsibility for the sustaining of the local and indigenous flora and fauna. It has also raised the profile of Environmental Science. The project commenced with a joint staff meeting of the three schools outlining the project and timeline in December 2001. In March 2002 an in-service day between the schools will focus on "Understanding The Environment in Which We Live" involving two keynote speakers and workshops for teacher professional development.

The joint approach to the project has strengthened the relationship between parish partner schools allowing the establishment of a network and buddy system for staff and students. The involvement of Friends Groups / Community Groups and the local council means that we are teaching science in a relevant context, engaging real people, in a real community, investigating a real problem that faces everyone.

Outdoor Environmental Education at St Jude's

Observing pond life at St Jude's Wetlands

This year St Jude's school has been involved in establishing and maintaining a Science based environmental project. This has involved establishing a strong tie with the Frankston City Council through their Environmental Officer, Mr Mark Batty and some Environmental Friends Group. The project titled "Creation of a Natural Environment' saw the development of a small scale wetlands area at the school with the surrounding area over the next few years being restored with local flora.

Our aim is also to establish a wildlife corridor on the school property and hopefully attract some native fauna back to our school area. Nesting boxes have been installed to provide homes for native animals. The children were involved recently with the planting of over 300 indigenous plants in the surrounding wetlands area. They are also responsible for maintaining the plants and surrounding environment as part of the environmental program. The school is working towards being a recognised habitat for wildlife.


Ken Ryan
Principal,
St Jude's Primary School,
Langwarrin.

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Ph 9789 7581 Fax 9776 7365
Email principal @stjude.melb.catholic.edu.au