Students learn valuablelessons in plastic waste project

HIGH school students have explored the future of plastic waste in a month-long science and innovation program at Southern Cross University’s (SCU) Lismore campus.

Year 10 students from Lismore High School took part in the pilot project, which combined university-level lectures with practical lab work in partnership with The Rivers Secondary College and the Rivers Academy of STEM Excellence.

Students examined plastic properties, audited and sorted waste from the university, then shredded and extruded materials for testing. In the final session, they conducted tensile strength tests on plastic blends containing varying levels of recycled content.

Rivers Academy of STEM Excellence project officer Zane van den Berg said it was an opportunity to tackle a critical issue and inspire students to act.

“Working alongside industry and academic experts at Southern Cross University, they gain valuable insight into post-school pathways within the rapidly expanding STEM sector,” he said.

“It’s an inspiring experience that not only raises their awareness about environmental challenges but also opens doors to future pathways.”

SCU provided environmental engineers and researchers to run lectures and oversee PhD students.

The pilot aims to serve as a model for future collaborations, with plans to expand across The

Rivers Secondary College and include more year groups and research themes.