School students turning the tide on waste

Grade five and six students at Howrah Primary School have been hard at work throughout November designing and constructing their own boats made almost entirely out of recycled materials. 

The students, who were split into house teams Acacia, Waratah and Banksia, were tasked with turning almost 300 recycled plastic water bottles into floating crafts capable of supporting one of the school’s teachers in the annual Big Boat Race. 

Howrah Primary School science teacher Ana Prior said the program was part of the school’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program and focused on sustainability, design and teamwork.   

“This competition serves as a practical application of STEM principles including research, design, and knowledge of hydrodynamics,” she said. 

“It promotes recycling and sustainability while fostering teamwork and creativity among students. 

“The event is not only educational but also provides a fun and memorable experience for all participants.” 

Some of the students said they were looking forward to seeing their handmade crafts, and the volunteer teachers, take to the waters off nearby Howrah Beach. 

“We decided to put some pool noodles around the side so it will float better and we are the only team to have a body board, which will make it more comfortable for the teacher,” team Banksia member Evie said. 

“The materials for the boats are all recycled except for the tape, and we even grabbed some of the bottles from last year,” team Acacia member Victoria said. 

“It’s really important to recycle as much as possible because eventually we are going to have so much stuff that we don’t know what to do with and it will all just go to waste.”

“It’s going to be really cool to have the whole school come down to the beach and watch the teachers race our boats,” Waratah team member Evie said.