Science project a champion effort

STUDENTS at Mount Egerton Primary School have been named Circular Champions as part of the Aussie of the Month awards.

Teacher Laura Millar said the pupils were celebrated for their term three scientific projects which aimed to recycle plastic bottles in an innovative way, and reduce waste.

“The students chose to work in little groups or by themselves to recycle plastic bottles,” she said.

“Some students made games, like a bowling set, others made water pistols and self-watering pot plants. It was a very collaborative activity where they could express their ideas in their own way.

“Everyone brought in their own plastic bottles, so that was a good community effort, and the students could select the materials they wanted to use.

“They really enjoyed the inventing and the hands-on element, and they were really ecstatic to hear they had won the competition.”

As a prize, the school recieved a stationary hamper from Pilot Australia worth $1000.

Sustainability is a big focus at Mount Egerton Primary School which has its own bush classroom.

“We’re into the environmental sciences and caring for the land,” Ms Millar said.

“Outdoor learning helps with their connection to the land, they can explore native trees and plants, and it’s very sensory.

“My seniors have been doing River Detectives this year with Corangamite CMA and each month we head down to the lake to test the water.

“We’ve also partnered with Deakin University for their pesticide watch, so we collect another water sample for them which we freeze and mail off.”

In their science class, students recently finished a unit on mobile phones, learning about how the materials are mined, how the phones are made, and where they go when they are no longer needed.

Grade 6 students have attended the Earth Ed centre in Mount Clear over two days, learning about sustainability and future solutions while collaborating with other schools.