SFSF - Maroondah City Council - Yarra Valley Grammar Junior School Looking After Their Future

Girls and boys at Yarra Valley Grammar Junior School are actively involved in programs and projects aimed at a sustainable future.

Most primary aged children have an intrinsic interest in caring for the environment so motivation is not an issue. The children are always willing to take part in environmental based studies. One of our 'five pillars' of integrated studies is "Care for the Environment" so the following activities are fully integrated into our program.

One of our earlier projects was 'Worm Farming'. We built two 1m³ bins. These are large enough to accommodate the children's food scraps plus scraps from our tuck shop. The resulting 'castings' are spread around our school grounds.

Once underway this activity runs itself. Yarra Valley is fortunate to have a native bush area as part of our property. At various times our children build nesting boxes and place these appropriately to attract native species. Environmental studies are also carried out in this delightful setting.

Alongside the bush area is Mullum Mullum Creek. For a number of years now the children have monitored the health of this waterway looking for macro invertebrates as an indicator of stream health. More recently we have become involved in an international water-sampling program conducted by the Chinese Hong Kong University.

This program involves 150 schools worldwide and will run throughout 2000. It will be the first worldwide 'snapshot' of waterway health and involves the students in sophisticated chemical testing and physical observation of water quality.

Following a generous grant from Maroondah City Council, we were able to purchase air monitoring equipment and a weather station. At certain times each year, the quality of air is assessed using this equipment along with ongoing daily weather data. The information is e-mailed to a National database. Like many schools we have a 'Sun Safe ' policy that requires children to cover up when the UV is high.

Daily measurements of UV levels are taken by the students and posted in a prominent place. This reinforces the 'sun safe' message. Each daily posting is eagerly awaited. The students in Junior School carry out all of these activities. Each brings with it valuable learning in terms of data logging, chemical procedures and using equipment.

Its real value however lies in lifting the profile of the environment as an aspect of life that needs care. The programs enable children to see that they can do something as individuals. There is never any shortage of children wanting to be part of a program.

Allan Garbutt
Technology Coordinator
Junior School Yarra Valley Grammar School
Phone: (03) 9262 7777

Melbourne Australia	SFSF - Schools For a Sustainable Future Maroondah City Council January 2000	Maroondah City Council
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Yarra Valley Grammar Junior School Looking After Their Future
Girls and boys at Yarra Valley Grammar Junior School are actively involved in programs and projects aimed at a sustainable future. Most primary aged children have an intrinsic interest in caring for the environment so motivation is not an issue. The children are always willing to take part in environmental based studies. One of our 'five pillars' of integrated studies is "Care for the Environment" so the following activities are fully integrated into our program. One of our earlier projects was 'Worm Farming'. We built two 1m³ bins. These are large enough to accommodate the children's food scraps plus scraps from our tuck shop. The resulting 'castings' are spread around our school grounds. Once underway this activity runs itself. Yarra Valley is fortunate to have a native bush area as part of our property. At various times our children build nesting boxes and place these appropriately to attract native species. Environmental studies are also carried out in this delightful setting. Alongside the bush area is Mullum Mullum Creek. For a number of years now the children have monitored the health of this waterway looking for macro invertebrates as an indicator of stream health. More recently we have become involved in an international water-sampling program conducted by the Chinese Hong Kong University. This program involves 150 schools worldwide and will run throughout 2000. It will be the first worldwide 'snapshot' of waterway health and involves the students in sophisticated chemical testing and physical observation of water quality. Following a generous grant from Maroondah City Council, we were able to purchase air monitoring equipment and a weather station. At certain times each year, the quality of air is assessed using this equipment along with ongoing daily weather data. The information is e-mailed to a National database. Like many schools we have a 'Sun Safe ' policy that requires children to cover up when the UV is high. Daily measurements of UV levels are taken by the students and posted in a prominent place. This reinforces the 'sun safe' message. Each daily posting is eagerly awaited. The students in Junior School carry out all of these activities. Each brings with it valuable learning in terms of data logging, chemical procedures and using equipment. Its real value however lies in lifting the profile of the environment as an aspect of life that needs care. The programs enable children to see that they can do something as individuals. There is never any shortage of children wanting to be part of a program. Allan Garbutt Technology Coordinator Junior School Yarra Valley Grammar School Phone: (03) 9262 7777
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