The Last Drop

Schools involved	Primary	Central	Secondary
	Robert Townson PS: Years 5 & 6		Robert Townson HS: Year 7

The schools worked collaboratively through a number of smaller projects before undertaking a major project to:

Design a water saving garden that will help the environment and reduce the schools' water bill.

Students identified the need for the garden to be low maintenance and fit into the school landscape. They chose to focus on native Australian plants and they created a file detailing how plants are grown and the advantages and disadvantages of different species. Students researched different types of mulch, irrigation systems and retaining walls.

The class negotiated the design with the principal of each school. Students were involved in every aspect of the process. This project was STUDENT CENTERED and teacher facilitated.

• Local business: Students made a list of local suppliers, e.g. Bunnings Warehouse, Plumber's Supplies, Tradelink, Tim's Garden Centre, and called each one for a quote and sent faxes. Students went on an excursion to Bunnings Warehouse to research different watering systems.
• Community partnerships: One of the teachers knew a plumber. He has offered to install the taps for free. A representative from Tim’s Garden Centre came to the schools to provide advice on the chosen areas. He explained how to establish a water saving garden and made suggestions about its maintenance and drip irrigation. The students visited Tim's to purchase plants, and Mt Annan Botanic Garden donated free native plants. Fred's Friendly Tree Services provided free leaf mulch.
• Design process: A number of practice projects established a basis for the major project. Students now knew what to expect and what the teachers expected from them. It also helped them to become familiar with the design process, creating a design portfolio, setting design briefs and coming up with quality solutions within a time frame.
• Involving parents: Parents provided expertise and information. They supported the project and helped install water saving hardware.

Reflections on Enterprise Learning

"The visit to Mt Annan was great – they taught us about drought resistant plants."

"I was in the education group. We taught other kids about plants and how to save water."

"It was so much fun working together …. the best part was planting plants."

"We researched and learnt so much about irrigation."