If we want to be sustainable we need to be efficient in our use of resources in all aspects of our lives – including at school! A lot of appliances and systems in our schools use valuable natural resources. When the school is closed for the holidays many of these can be turned off saving electricity and water. Waste could be examined to see if it could be recycled or reused. This would reduce carbon dioxide emissions and save the school money!
How can I help?
Make the case
• Investigate the current practices
• Conduct surveys on energy, water, waste disposal and grounds preparation
Explore
• Analyse the results
• Decide where action can be taken
Plan
• Develop a proposal to convince the Principal
• Communicate the plan to the school
Take action
• Put the plan to work
Reflect
• What were the results?
• What did we learn?
School holiday shutdown!
Environmental Education Unit – Curriculum K-12 Directorate

Before you start:
As a class complete a chart on what you know and what you need to learn (leave a space for recording what you have learnt)
What we know What we need to learn What we have learnt
Complete the following surveys and activities.
Where do I start?
School holiday shutdown!
Environmental Education Unit – Curriculum K-12 Directorate

Appliance
Fan
Air conditioner
Heater
Computer
Computer server
Printer
Photocopier
Refrigerator
Freezer
Hot water unit
Television
Video
Microwave oven
Stove
Overhead projector
Interactive
Whiteboard
Radios
Jug/kettle Zip boiling water
Other
Number of appliances
Location If they are on standby can they be turned off for the holidays?
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Who do we need to ask?
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
School holiday shutdown!
Environmental Education Unit – Curriculum K-12 Directorate

Appliances in the
Canteen
Refrigerators
Freezers
Ovens
Stoves
Microwaves
Other
Remember!
Number of appliances
Location
If they are on standby can they be turned off for the holidays?
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Who do we need to ask?
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Items left on stand-by still use some energy so turning them off at the wall is best.
Why do things need to be left on standby?
School holiday shutdown!
Environmental Education Unit – Curriculum K-12 Directorate

Inside / Outside
Toilets - boys
Toilets - girls
Toilets - teachers
Handbasins/taps
Sinks/taps
Hot water systems
Number Location Are they leaking or dripping?
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Who do we need to tell?
(to turn off both water and electricity you’ll need to speak to the
General Assistant)
School holiday shutdown!
Environmental Education Unit – Curriculum K-12 Directorate

Are there places in the school where water is needed?
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Do garden beds need watering with a timer? Yes / No
How can this be done? What other preparations can be made? Who is responsible?
School holiday shutdown!
Environmental Education Unit – Curriculum K-12 Directorate

What does your school do with its waste products? Create a class mindmap.
View the slowmation – Closing the paper loop http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG5j5ov69Rg and “This holiday season, show you care.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R445o3tT_VA&feature=related
You will need to negotiate with your teacher and the other teachers in the school before you can complete the following activities.
Visit each class at the end of the day and analyse the contents of their rubbish bin. Complete the table below with the class.
Class:
Contents of class rubbish bin include: Can it be recycled? Can it be reused? Can it be composted?
Has it reached the end of its life cycle?
School holiday shutdown!
Environmental Education Unit – Curriculum K-12 Directorate

Have the class look at the YouTube “This holiday season, show you care.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R445o3tT_VA&feature=related
Ask the class (form groups) to take something from the rubbish bin and create a new product from the material. Make sure you have scissors, glue, sticky tape and string as well.
Extension: take a photo of each class creations and make one slideshow to celebrate what can be done! If you have an assembly on the last day, show it to the whole school.
What have I learnt?
You have helped to make your school a more sustainable and environmentally friendly place to be. Don’t forget to reflect on what you have learnt.
Can I do something like this at home?
School holiday shutdown!
Environmental Education Unit – Curriculum K-12 Directorate