Project Summaries
Barrenjoey HS
Sustainable Fishing
Will our oceans be able to feed us in the years to come? What have scientists done to ensure we are not over exploiting the largest ecosystem in the world? Learn about recreational fishing restrictions, the issues associated with by-catch and how can you shop ethically to support a sustainable fishing industry and reduce our impact on the marine world we so greatly depend upon.
Narrabeen Sports HS
Sustenance in Plants
Bean seeds under different environments have been monitored, data collected, and graphed to look at optimum growth conditions. Our year 7 students also looked at leaf structure under the microscope, which may have some relevance in using plants as food products for the future.
Pittwater HS
Fishing feeding you
According to the World Bank, the world’s population is currently growing by 200,000 people/day. In addition, there is little possibility for the expansion of agricultural land. This poses a significant problem as the population will require feeding. The challenge of feeding the world in the future may appear daunting, however, by combining the concepts of hydroponics and aquaponics, the idea of feeding ourselves from our own living room is quite achievable. Hydroponics is carried out by growing plants in water nutrient solutions. Whilst effective, hydroponics can have issues with regard to the amounts of chemicals required. Aquaponics, on the other hand, is a system in which the waste produced by fish or other aquatic creatures supplies the nutrients for plants grown hydroponically, which in turn purifies the water. Pittwater High School aims to demonstrate how aquaponics can be used on a small scale to produce vegetables in the home as well as enabling pet fish to be kept simultaneously and aesthetically.
Avalon PS
Vertical Garden
Avalon Public School is presenting a sustainable, vertical, edible garden. This garden can be used within the confined spaces of city life, to alleviate the need for large areas of land. Students planted, tendered and monitored the growth of the garden focusing on the impact different conditions had on the growth of the plants. We plan to eat the produce as it matures, combining with the Garden Club to enjoy a fresh and healthy meal in the knowledge that we have grown it together. Late in Term 3, we would like to add a solar water pump so the garden becomes self-sustaining.
Bilgola Plateau PS
Entomophagy
Entomophagy is the practice of eating insects. Does a 'Chocolate Chirp Cookie' sound yummy? The idea of munching on insects may sound a little strange to you now, but in the near future it may become just another healthy item in your lunchbox or on your dinner plate. Year 4 students at Bilgola Plateau PS have been looking at the reasons why people in some parts of the world eat insects as a regular part of their diet, and why they are good for you.
Collaroy Plateau PS
What's in your lunchbox?
What will be in your lunchbox in the future? We will take you on a journey into the world of Genetically Modified food and their impact on society. Is this the way of the future? How will we cope with the population increase by 2050? Come test your taste buds and see if you can work out if it has been genetically modified? Create your own GM food and enter in our competition for a great prize!
Cromer PS
The Science of Soil
Soil is the foundation for growing plants and in particular food. Year 4 students at Cromer PS have been investigating how we can sustainably improve the soil whilst helping the environment. They developed two scientific investigations to determine how growth is effected by the use of compost and vermiculture (worm juice). The students learnt how to set up compost bins and successful worm farms. This knowledge will be shared in their presentations and they will give a demonstration on how to make a worm farm with a hands- on activity.
Elanora Heights PS
Paddock To Plate
Do you love cake? Have you ever wondered how a cake is made? It's a longer process than you may think! Students at Elanora Heights have researched the ingredients in cake to discover where they come from. Visit us at the Science Fair to learn about the journey from Paddock to Plate!
Mona Vale PS
Space Food!
How do astronauts eat in space? What kind of food do they eat? How do they take enough food with them when they are staying in space for a long time? How do they get water to drink in space? Students in the Science Club at Mona Vale Public School have been working with a scientist this term. They have conducted research and various experiments to answer these questions. They have met an astronaut and asked him about the food he ate when he went to space. Stage 3 students from the Science Club are looking forward to presenting their findings at the 2014 PCS Science Fair!
Narrabeen Lakes PS
Bringing Home the Bacon!
Pigs helping cool the planet???? Find out how pigs shape up in the battle to decrease the impact of the greenhouse effect. See how pig poo powers your home. And they taste great too!
Narrabeen North PS
Bees
Our stage three children have researched the important role that bees play in our survival. Bees are responsible for pollinating the majority of the world’s agricultural crop, so without them we simple would not have fresh fruit and vegetables. Infact, we would all starve because nothing could be pollinated. We would not have plants, food or animals.
Newport PS
Light - Solar Ovens
Year 6 have been studying light and its many uses this term. They will be show casing their solar ovens using everyday materials.Their aim is to prove the benefits of using renewable energy to help feed those in developing countries.
Wheeler Heights PS
GARDEN SUPER SMOOTHIES: A healthy alternative for the future.
How would you like vegetables in your milkshake? If greens are just not on your list of ‘acceptable’ foods then you should try our new food sensation.Wheeler Heights Year 4 Science Group have experimented with some unusual but healthy ingredients to create delicious smoothies. Our garden detectives have picked the finest ingredients from our school veggie patch to share with you. Some our yummy concoctions include the Green Monster, Stevia Surprise and Magic Minty. We have even eggs-perimented with school laid eggs from our resident chickens. Step back PopEye because we’re not just eating spinach but drinking raw eggs! It’s our tastiest science experiment ever. Be brave and come along and try some Garden Super Smoothies.
Coastal Environment Centre
Sustainable Seafood
What has a giant eyeball the size of your head and Narrabeen Lagoon got in common? And what have they got to do with sustainable seafood? If you don't mind goo and slimy body parts come along and find out.
(Learn more about the Coastal Environment Centre here.)
Landtopia
Landtopia™ Biodegradable non-woven polypropylene bags
An Australian first to the world market.
Landtopia™ bags contain a scientifically proven organic additive that only activates to decompose the bag when disposed of in a microbe rich and active landfill environment. Rather than becoming an entombed time capsule for 1000 years they give back to become a colony for microbes to feast on as a food and energy source. The energy produced can be harvested and utilised to generate power through methane extraction.
(Learn more about Landtopia bags here.)