School Resource Use
Linking the use of school resources to the curriculum
Schools can explore current issues in relation to resources they consume: renewable resources, recycling, cleaner production methods, cradle-to-grave production, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, environmental cost accounting and waste generation and disposal in relation to the list of resources their school consumes.
One area students could investigate is waste and packaging using the canteen as a case study. Couple this investigation with developing whole school solutions to the issue – eg No waste Lunch days!
Resource Use relates to all KLA's
Mathematics | Conduct an audit of the waste generated from the canteen; count the number of packaged items sold. Graph and interpret the results. |
English
| Write a report on the impact on the environment of packaging generated from the canteen to emphasise the need to streamline the school’s waste minimisation strategies |
HSIE | Examine procedures for creating a green canteen. Determine the most appropriate strategies for the school and produce a plan for a green canteen. Give an oral presentation of the plan to representatives from the school community. |
Science
| Select four types of packaging and illustrate their life cycle, from production to decomposition (cradle to grave). Determine the amount of energy required to produce each item. Examine different types of packaging. Identify the most environmentally friendly forms of packaging. Ask: Are these suitable for the canteen? Draw up a list of items suitable for sale in a green canteen. |
PDHPE
| Examine the nutritional value of items sold in the canteen. Find information on nutritious food that has minimal or no packaging and that could be sold in the canteen. Cost each item and produce a list of suitable items. |
Creative Arts
| Design advertising material promoting the green canteen. |
Review the resources the school uses
By looking at the type and quantity of material resources the school uses, you may be able to develop some strategies that focus on materials from renewable and Non-renewable resources and materials that can be recycled or are made from recycled materials
Action Plan, Audit and SEMP tools for Resources
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