Biodiversity Education for the Next Generation: Empowering Active Stewardship
Landcare NT's STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math - formerely STEM) - Environmental Science program is bringing practical biodiversity education to Top End primary schools. This innovative program, trialed in Darwin schools in Semester 1, has moved into 11 schools in the Palmerston and Litchfield areas in Semester 2.
The program, which focuses on native flora and fauna education, aims to foster a culture of environmental responsibility, and to empower students to commit to active stewardship for a sustainable future.
Rooted in local action and informed by global knowledge, the program aims to give primary school students the tools to understand the importance of restoring and preserving the diversity and health of local environmental systems. Through interactive classroom activities, students learn the importance of native flora, fauna, and biodiversity.
By facilitating STEAM collaborations between local environmental scientists and schools, students engage in inquiry-based learning experiences that inspire appreciation for conservation, sustainability, and environmental justice.
In Term 3 we completed the Flora sessions, introducing students to:
- Leaf and Plant Discovery
- Recognising and Collecting Plant Characteristics
- Preserving Unique Top End Ecosystems
Following the classroom learning, students enthusiastically embarked in hands-on discovery, exploring their school's unique ecosystem. Under the expert guidance of Dr Donna Lewis and the NT Herbarium, students got up close and personal with the flora living on their school grounds.
When asked what they enjoyed the most, students responded:
“Seeing all the different plants under the microscope. I didn’t know that plants had hairs!”
“I loved the plant pressing activities …I want to see what it looks like when it’s dried out, and I can do more at home.”
“Learning the scientific names of the plants was really cool. And now we know what native plants are good for our gardens.”
Teachers were also happy with the program:
“It’s great to have access to biodiversity experts who can come into our classrooms free of charge thanks to the funding provided by our local councils.”
“These sessions have really sparked the students’ interest in biodiversity and fit into our Science curriculum so it reinforces their learning.”
In Term 4, Session 2 will focus on native fauna, highlighting the inter-dependence of Top End species, habitats, and biodiversity. Additionally, a water sustainability element, "That's My Water!" will pilot in four schools, introducing real-world learning in collaboration with Power and Water.
To learn more about Landcare NT's STEAM Environmental Science project and how you can support biodiversity education in Top End schools get in touch with Donella Walker, Landcare NT Biodiversity Education Coordinator by email at [email protected].
