OAKLEIGH SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL
Year 3 Sustainability Program: Nurturing Young Environmental Stewards
Our Year 3 Sustainability Program is designed to immerse students in hands-on, experiential learning within our dedicated Sustainability Village. This unique educational space includes raised garden beds, a fruit orchard, chickens and ducks, a chicken coop, a greenhouse, worm farms, wicking beds, and an aquaponics and hydroponics shed. Through this program, students develop a deep understanding of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
Nurturing Young Caretakers: Our Feathered and Furry Friends
Students take on the responsibility of caring for our chickens and ducks. This includes feeding them, ensuring they have clean water, and maintaining the cleanliness of the chicken coop. By engaging in these tasks, students learn about animal welfare, the importance of regular care, and the role of animals in a sustainable ecosystem.
Little Green Thumbs: Exploring Plant Life Cycles
In the raised garden beds and fruit orchard, students plant seeds and observe the life cycles of various plants. They learn about germination, growth, and the conditions necessary for plants to thrive. This hands-on experience is complemented by lessons on pollination and the vital role insects play in the ecosystem. Students grow a variety of vegetables, gaining practical knowledge about where food comes from and the effort required to cultivate it.
Future Farmers: Discovering Hydroponics and Aquaponics
Our hydroponics and aquaponics shed provides a modern twist on traditional gardening. Students grow leafy greens and tomatoes using these systems, learning about the nitrogen cycle and how it supports plant growth. They explore the benefits of soil-less farming and how these methods can contribute to sustainable food production. This component of the program highlights innovative agricultural practices that can help address global food security challenges.
Water-Wise Wonders: The Magic of Wicking Beds
The concept of self-watering wicking beds is introduced to teach students about efficient water use in gardening. They learn how these beds work by drawing water from a reservoir below, ensuring plants receive consistent moisture with minimal waste. This lesson in water conservation is crucial for understanding sustainable gardening practices, especially in regions prone to drought.
Wormy Wonders: The Magic of Vermiculture
Vermiculture, the practice of using worms to decompose organic waste, plays a crucial role in our Sustainability Village. Our worm farms are home to thousands of composting worms that break down food scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost, known as worm castings or “worm tea.” This natural fertiliser is used to enrich the soil in our gardens, promoting healthy plant growth without the need for chemical fertilisers. By engaging in vermiculture, students learn about the decomposition process, waste reduction, and the benefits of recycling organic matter. This hands-on experience underscores the importance of sustainable waste management and teaches students how they can contribute to a healthier environment through simple, everyday actions.
Green Guardians: Keeping Our Gardens Thriving
Students are actively involved in the general maintenance of the gardens. This includes weeding, watering, and fertilising plants using nutrient-rich worm tea from our worm farms. These activities teach students about soil health, composting, and the benefits of organic fertilisers. They also develop a sense of responsibility and teamwork as they work together to keep the gardens thriving.
Through our Year 3 Sustainability Program, students gain practical skills and knowledge that foster a lifelong appreciation for the environment. They become young environmental stewards, equipped with the understanding and passion needed to contribute to a sustainable future.
