Great Southern children get their hands dirty for National Science Week

Children from across the region got their hands dirty at plantation and lake sampling excursions last month to celebrate National Science Week.

Katanning Landcare were involved in three National Science Week Activities between Kojonup and Katanning to encourage young people to be more curious and conscientious about the environment.

St Bernard’s Primary School students visited Kojonup Airstrip on August 17 to plant 2000 saplings of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs. More than 40 students attended the revegetation event hosted by the Shire of Kojonup, which will help improve moisture in the soil and biodiversity around the airstrip.

Katanning Landcare also co-ordinated activities around Piesse Park later in the week, hosting water sampling activities for children to find out more about the wildlife in the lake.

Damselflies, water boatmen, scuds, water beetles and yabbies were caught by the children and examined with safe holding kits.

Students also listened to the sounds of the creatures underwater with a hydrophone.

Katanning Landcare officer Adele Scarfone said it was more important than ever to engage youngsters from the Great Southern in environmental activities.

“I think it encourages them to think about their actions and what impact they may be having in the environment,” she said.

“This is a hands-on way to teach kids about sustainability, life cycles, water quality and to get them out of the classroom to be active.”

Ms Scarfone said the biodiversity of the lake had been boosted by the recent winter rainfall.