Mathematics in Action: The Merri Creek Project

At John Fawkner College, our year 10 Numeracy program has taken a new direction this year through Project-Based Learning, an approach that connects mathematical thinking with real-world challenges and encourages deeper thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

This term, our students have dived into the Merri Creek Aquatic Project, an inquiry-driven unit that blends mathematics, cultural significance, environmental awareness, and design thinking. The project challenges students to imagine, plan, and pitch an engaging aquarium experience based on the biodiversity of Merri Creek, our local waterway.

Through the project, students are learning to:

• Analyse data related to native aquatic life and water health,

• Use volume and measurements to design realistic aquarium layouts

• Interpret and communicate information using graphs, charts, and statistics, and

• Present their findings and proposals through a final expo-style showcase

They are starting to take on roles as designers, researchers, environmental advocates, and mathematicians, while building their 21st century skills.

As we continue through the term, students will start preparing for their EXPO, ready to showcase their learning. I am looking forward to the different solutions they come up with!

Thasnim Saldhan, Maths teacher and Maths Domain leader