Primary school children have been taking nature walks and building bug hotels as part of a week-long programme of sustainability-related activities.
The project is being supported by grant funding and resources provided by the British Science Association’s (BSA) CREST Awards scheme.
During the week, staff at St Canice’s PS in Feeny, Co Derry used resources provided by the scheme to teach pupils about the natural world, biodiversity and climate change. Each pupil received an CREST Star Award for their achievements.
The children also spent a lot of time outside in the fresh air using new resources provided through the CREST grant. This included gardening tools, bird food, binoculars and torches.
CREST Awards is a nationally recognised education scheme for student-led project work. It is designed to inspire and encourage more children to take an interest in science and engage with real world STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) problems.
Leanne Quigley, World Around Us co-ordinator at St Canice’s said, “The children had a fantastic time getting involved in a whole host of sustainability-related projects throughout the week. It’s great to see them growing their own passion for protecting the environment and sustainability.”
The children were also able to put their new skills to good use on World Environment Day when they planted vegetables and flowers as well as taking part in a litter picking, birdwatching and poster design campaign on the theme of A Sustainable World.