Each composite year level in Monbulk Primary School undertakes a Sustainability-related unit of work once every two years. The units last a whole term and students are often required to make a presentation on what they have learned at the conclusion of the unit. The Sustainability units for Monbulk Primary are as follows:
Grade 1/2: Water Wise
Students learn how the Earth’s resources are used in a variety of ways with a focus on water. They investigate the changes that occur in the sky and landscape and how daily and seasonal changes affect everyday life. Students explore the Earth’s water cycle as a scientific inquiry. They investigate how water is managed in their local community and the ways individuals, families, groups and communities can work together to care for and improve their environment.
Grade 3/4: Waste or Want?
Students learn about the Earth’s surface and how it changes over time as a result of natural processes and human activity. They investigate the use and management of natural resources and waste, and different views on how to do this sustainably. Students develop awareness and understanding of the effects of people’s interactions with their environment and the ways in which this can impact their lives. They learn about the different groups in the community and their responsibilities in caring for the local environment, and the ways individuals, families, groups and communities can work together to care for and improve their environment.
Grade 5/6: Natural Disasters
Students recognise the influence of environment on the human characteristics of a place, and how scientific knowledge is used to inform personal and community decisions. They learn that sudden geological changes or extreme weather conditions can affect the Earth’s surface and important resources. Students explore and conduct inquiries regarding the impact of bushfires, floods and other natural disasters on environments, communities and natural resources. They examine how people can respond to minimize resource and community impact.
These units all have links to the Victorian Curriculum, including but not limited to:
- Earth and Space Sciences;
- Geography;
- Science Inquiry Skills;
- Ethical Capability.
It is incredibly easy to link other curriculum areas to the work we do with ResourceSmart Schools – numeracy, for example. Many of the modules require audits to be undertaken, involving calculations and conversions. Members of the student Sustainability Team enter bill data for the school, and calculate the money and other savings (to date, Monbulk Primary School has saved over $45, 000 in reduced bills alone. It’s wonderful to put that money back in to Sustainability efforts!).