STUDENTS from Allendale East Area School have focused their learning on design of a play area for the second stage of the Port MacDonnell Waterfront project over the second half of 2018.
The students used science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills to develop ideas for the project, which they then made into models until a final design was agreed upon.
In 2017, the school and Grant District Council embarked on a collaborative project around the research and proposal for new vegetation and landscaping as part of stage one of the Waterfront development.
After reflection and learning through this experience, the council and students have undertaken a second project for the play space that will be installed in stage two.
Year 8 student Luke said he enjoyed the challenge of the project.
“We started off designing our own spaces and then chose the best things from each of our models for the final product,” he said.
“We had to think of ways kids like to play and research what would suit the area best.
“It was great to work together and design something we all agreed on.”
Luke said the project was an innovative way to focus on STEM activities and deliver a worthwhile project while learning.
“It’s exciting to get out of the classroom and use STEM skills for something like this,” he said.
“Not everyone learns the traditional way, so I think it is important to not always be inside doing book work.”
The project will now be set into motion as part of the next stage of the development.
Luke said he was excited to see the final product.
“I hope one day I can go there with my children and tell them how I helped design the playground,” he said.
