Experiential Learning – Year 8 Geography

Experiential learning is an engaging process where students ‘learn by doing’. In Mrs Cummins’ Year 8 Geography class students were involved in a structured interactive activity to learn about the impact of human pollution on water. Students were invited to simulate a waterway contaminated by pollution. Each student added a pollutant in a clear container of water to highlight and consider the impact of human activity on a river. Students engaged in critical and creative thinking to develop sustainability hypotheses and new strategies to maintain healthy waterways. A huge thank you to Mrs Cummins for highlighting the importance of the study of Geography within our everyday lives.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HISE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Teacher and student reflections

This hands-on lesson kept students engaged and focused, while emphasising the importance of maintaining healthy waterways. Through this activity, students participated and also developed their skills in following instructions, communicating ideas, and working collaboratively, demonstrating their deep learning and active involvement in Geography.
Vicki Cummins
Year 8 Geography Teacher

I really enjoyed this activity because it showed me how we humans treat our waterways. It taught me the importance of keeping our waterways clean.
Chiara Salvati
Year 8

The hands-on experiment was a fun way to get everyone in the class involved. It taught me that every little bit of rubbish adds up, and before we know it, what were once clean rivers can become polluted.
Jess Price
Year 8

I really enjoyed the interactive Geography lesson on water pollution. It helped me understand how all the different substances added can quickly impact the water in various ways. The activity made me think about ways that we can prevent pollution from occurring and the importance of why we have to protect our waters.
Verona Di Santo
Year 8