The annual Earth and Ocean Schools Festival attracted more than 260 curious students from 10 Cockburn primary schools this June.
In its 14th year, the event was held at the Cockburn Wetlands Precinct in Bibra Lake and aims to connect youth with nature and the environment.
Students from Year 4-6 enjoyed a variety a fun, nature-themed activities offered by teams from WA Wildlife, The Wetlands Centre Cockburn, Perth NRM, SERCUL, Fisheries (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), Blue Crew, the Water Corporation and Whiteman Park.
City of Cockburn Environmental Education Officer Vicky Hartill said the event was always popular with Cockburn schools.
“The day provides students with a snapshot of education for sustainability activities with a focus on water and wildlife,” Mrs Hartill said.
“The kids love the fast-paced, hands-on environmental education where they explore themes they are already familiar with including climate change, sustainable fishing and caring for wildlife, trees and water resources.
“An interesting aspect was the students’ awareness of finding ways to reduce their own waste. We held a waste-free lunch challenge and Coogee and Aubin Grove primary schools each won a recycling hub after producing just one piece or zero waste respectively!
“The recycling hubs will enable each school community to safely dispose of their household hazardous waste, such as batteries, light bulbs and printer cartridges at school which helps further normalise recycling by making it convenient. It’s another way to help the schools enhance the recycling actions they already take.
“I see lots of examples of our young people leading the way in sustainability which is heartening for the future.”
The event is jointly funded by the City of Cockburn and a State Government Coastwest grant.