Science and Sustainability at Burnside

Science from Reception to Year 6 is delivered through the three interrelated strands of, science learning, science enquiry skills and science as a human endeavour.
Classroom learning is enriched by engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, Australian connections with Asia, and National Sustainability priorities. During specialist lessons students engage with a range of technologies that enable them to take action, gain independence and participate in digital contexts.
Annual excursions and incursions compliment our Science program by merging the strands of science learning with live entertainment and zoo adventures. Rebecca Mumford from Greenhill Living delivers seasonal gardening lessons to the junior primary, which is complemented by our weekly lunchtime gardening club.
Science week is celebrated each year with bespoke lessons targeting the annual theme as week as lunchtime workshops, exhibitions and the start of our annual sunflower growing competition.
We promote Science beyond the school gates through our participation in the annual Oliphant Science Awards. Open to all children from Reception to year 12, Burnside Primary School has a long history of participation as well as plenty of award won along the way.

Science Extra-curricular Activities

Science Week Celebrations
Science based lunchtime activities
Science Incursion Performance
Sunflower growing competition
Oliphant Science Awards – community involvement and Science Alive
Coding & 3D printing clubs with Dom

Science of Recycling

KESAB conducts a bin materials audit of our school. Our school community were actively involved in accruing the data and understanding the results of this audit. It highlighted that nearly half of our landfill contained food scraps. As a result, kitchen caddies were donated by Burnside Council for all classrooms and a whole school approach to engaging in reducing out waste has been undertaken.

  • Two ‘Aerobins’ installed to encourage composting on site
  • In 2017, we were successful in securing a grant for $2000.00 from National Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges (NRM) to purchase Ecobins for all classrooms. The bins create a uniform system for sorting our waste in line with practices at home leading to a reduction in landfill

These colour coded bins have clear guidelines for disposal of all waste:

  • Brown Bins – Organic Matter – Fruit, vegetables, egg shells, left over food scraps
  • Blue Bins – Paper – Paper and/or cardboard
  • Red Bins – Landfill – plastic
  • Yellow Bins – Mixed Recyclables – Plastic bottles, tins, cans

Energy

We have been allocated a $25,000 Lighting Grant from the Department for Education to make our lighting more efficient around the grounds.

SA Water – Smart Water Meters

We have three SMART water meters operating on the school grounds. These provide ‘real-time’ data of our water usage. They are used to analyse our water usage, note any anomalies and ultimately save water and money, Units of Inquiry have been in place for the year 6 students to utilise the SMART Water meters into their learning, requiring them to apply their STEM skills to solve real school problems. We continue to work with SA Water to support the benefits of using SMART water meters and this innovative program in our school.

Biodiversity

Students study biodiversity utilising our pond which was installed over two years ago. Various curriculum modules allow students to explore and connect to natural landscapes and take responsibility for measuring data relating to plant and animal life.

Food Garden

In line with Right Bite and DE healthy eating policies, we have a strong focus on strategies for healthy food choices. Our community garden engages our students in tending, planting and learning about our food; how it is grown, what is seasonal and the lifecycle of plants. Our parent volunteer Bec Mumford supports students in caring for our vegetable garden with many items regularly included on our canteen menu.