Our Year 9 Extension students are diving into the future of food with an innovative and hands-on project that blends science, sustainability, and creativity.
This term, students have been exploring the important connections between food, the brain, and the body. Asking big questions about how we might grow, source, and consume food in the years ahead. The class discussions turned into action when students rolled up their sleeves to design and build vertical strawberry tubes, a key part of the aquaponics system they will soon establish on our secondary campus.
The activity was more than just construction, it was an opportunity for students to apply their classroom learning in a practical, purposeful way. Using problem-solving and collaboration skills, they transformed concepts into something tangible and useful for our college community.
Students were enthusiastic about the experience, enjoying the chance to create with their hands while seeing how science and innovation can be applied to real-world challenges. The project is the beginning of an exciting journey into sustainable food systems, with the aquaponic set-up set to become a rich learning space for future classes.
As one student commented, “It was great to learn about food and our health, and then actually make something that will help us grow food at our college.”
This project highlights the power of applied learning: when students can connect ideas with action, they not only deepen their understanding but also contribute something meaningful to their community.
Learn more about our STRIVE Extension program at https://stmarysbroome.wa.edu.au/our-college/strive/
