The Environment

Environmental Science

Environmental Science is an elective that can be taken for one semester during either Year 8 or Year 9. Justin, a student from Year 9, has written a short article reflecting on his semester in Environmental Science. 

“Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physics, biology, and geography to the study of the environment, and the solution of environmental problems. Environmental Science emerged from the fields of natural history and medicine during the enlightenment. The three main goals of environmental science are: to learn how the natural world works, to understand how humans interact with the environment problems and live more sustainably. An environmental scientist focuses specifically on the surrounding environmental, such as air, land, and water to protect these natural resources and human health.

In Environmental Science, we investigated several serious environmental issues including pollution, overpopulation, waste disposal, climate change, global warming, the greenhouse effect, and biodiversity loss. We have investigated what the issues are, the causes and symptoms, solutions, and the future. We learnt how acid rain affects our surroundings, and we did an experiment on it. We also learnt about the depletion of the ozone layer, biodegradability, and the process of water cycle. We participated in the Aussie Bird Count event; we counted many kinds of birds in our school. We did an experiment that modelled the greenhouse effect. This experiment aims is to observe the effects of carbon dioxide on the temperature of air. We also measured the carbon in trees and we investigated the effects of carbon dioxide on the acidity of water. We have learnt about biodiversity and conservation. And we also have learnt about ecosystems, organisms’ interactions, food chain and food webs. We evaluate the chemical and physical properties of pond and creek water samples, and we researched Australian threatened species. 

We also had excursions and incursions too. During the incursion, we separated the rubbish in our school and sorted them. It was very disgusting, but we learned a lot about the types of rubbish our school generates. During one of the excursions to Yarran Dheran, we planted trees, and watered them. In another excursion to Yarran Dheran, we looked at aquatic macro-invertebrates, which are biological indicators, that help scientists evaluate the health of ecosystems. Throughout the semester, we also watched short documentaries about the plastic pollution and ecosystems.  Overall, I enjoy really enjoyed Environmental Science, and recommend everyone to participate in it because it is fun.” 

Justin, Year 9

“Environmental Science has been insightful and fun. I enjoyed the excursions, learning about endangered animals, planting trees and investigating invertebrates. I hope many others enjoy this subject in future years.” – Lucas, Year 8

A number of other Year 8 and 9 students have written a short reflection on Environmental Science:

“I enjoyed every minute of Environmental Science. I have learned how to protect the earth, atmosphere, ecosystem, and environment. I enjoyed learning about chemical and physical properties of water and loved learning about the factors that affect an organism’s ability to survive in an ecosystem. I also learned a lot about climate change, even though I thought I already knew it before. Environmental Science has been such an amazing experience!” – Aaliyah, Year 8

“I loved Environmental Science! I learned about many environmental issues, and how ecosystems sustain life on earth. I loved the excursions! This subject has opened my mind.” – Will, Year 8

“I thoroughly enjoyed Environmental Science. I liked the excursions we did and enjoyed the activities we completed during class. I liked the fact that a lot of it was practical work, such as bird watching and measuring the trees. I learnt how humans are affecting the world and how we can work towards fixing these problems.” – Sanja, Year 9

“Environmental Science is a great subject if you want to go on excursions and if you want to learn about where you live. By the end of the subject, it feels like you have learnt about the whole world from the classroom. You also get to do a lot of pracs that are really fun, with a great teacher. I definitely suggest picking Environmental Science, as what you get to learn is really fun and it’s a great experience with your teacher and classmates.” – Tayah, Year 8

“I have loved Environmental Science so much! It has helped me learn so much about the environment during this semester. The excursions to Yarran Darren were fun, we got to plant trees and learn about water bugs. We learned how to care for our environment and

 help stop climate change. Overall, I recommended participating in Environmental Science because you learn so much about our Earth and how to help it.” – Mia, Year 9

“During this semester of Environmental Science, I have enjoyed learning about nature around me. I have learnt that speaking up and making change to the world around me will impact my future. Knowing this gives me hope in our future of the environment. By going on excursions to the Yarran Dheran and planting native plants, I felt I was able to give back to nature, and not just taking from it. Learning about endangered species and researching about their current positions and how to help them, has motivated me to wants to help and make a difference to their living conditions.” – Sienna, Year 9

“This semester I discovered both the beauty of the earth, but also learned about the environmental problems we are facing. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the practical activities and amazing things we have learned this semester, and I greatly appreciate this class.” – Moises, Year 8

“In Environmental Science, we recently went to Yarran Dheran to investigate aquatic macro-invertebrates. We also learnt that some of these insects are very sensitive to pollution, and they tell us about pollution levels in the water. Earlier in the semester, we also planted trees at Yarran Dheran with members of the Yarran Dheran Advisory Committee, which was really cool. I also really enjoyed bird watching.” – Dillon, Year 9

“We have learned so much about the environment, from the impacts of climate change, to water pollution and Australia’s threatened species. I enjoyed planting trees at Yarran Dheran the most. Over just one semester, my knowledge of the environment has really grown.” – Connor, Year 9

“This semester we learnt about climate change and its effects on our environment, waste, and pollution, as well as biodiversity and species. I enjoyed learning about the biodiversity of the planet and how different ecosystems function. This semester we measured trees to survey the amount of carbon dioxide is stored in them and tested the chemical and physical properties of water. We also went on excursions to the Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve to plant trees and to study the biodiversity of a pond.” – Alex, Year 9

Miriam Pepper       

Environment Team Coordinator