John Paul College and Waikite Valley School have been awarded Bayer Science Fund Grants to help with environmental science projects.
John Paul College received $1,909 to help restore the Utuhina stream and its banks near the college grounds.
180 Year 7 students will be involved in the programme to develop the understanding of the nature of science for both the teachers and students that will be involved. The funds will be used to help purchase binocular microscopes, gardening gloves, hand trowels, spades, secateurs, reusable garden bags and small spades.
Students will be exposed to the problems, pose questions, and plan activities to provide answers and solutions. The activities may involve monitoring water quality, planting trees, removing noxious weeds, using keys to identify living things, removal of rubbish and producing observational drawings and learning to use a wide range of scientific equipment.
Waikite Valley School received $2,000 to help develop a food forest and heritage orchard as part of a sustainable environment project. The funds will be used to help purchase gardening tools, fruit trees, and plants for companion planting.