Planting Seeds with Young People
Engaging young people with fun, innovative, hands-on Environmental activities
Capacity building - LEP23_45_LLC12_19
The issue
Sourcing, creating, and adapting fun, interactive, environmental activities for young people involves finding activities that are engaging, hands-on, and easily understood. These activities should be relevant while also being easily delivered and transported.
Sunray Warriors is an environmental awareness event held each year in Mildura. Primary schools on both sides of the Murray River participate in environmentally oriented activities. Approximately 1000 students from Kindergarten through to year 6 participate in the 2 days of activities provided by around 15 agencies. Presentations and activities must be adaptable to cater for a range of ages, abilities, genders and nationalities.
The solution
With the Murray River as the border between NSW and Victoria, fishing is an activity many people living around river communities enjoy.
'Good Fish Bad Fish' was created to emphasize the importance of understanding the fish living in our local rivers. Fish that are native to the river system and the impact introduced species have on the river system. A competitive game to determine 'Good fish' (Native fish to the river) and 'Bad fish' (introduced species) was developed. Equipped with a fishing rod and magnet, young people are divided into 2 groups and fish laminated cut-out fish from a material pond. Fish are either placed in a bucket for returning to the river or put on the riverbank to be disposed of.
The impact
'Good Fish, Bad Fish' has been and continues to be a tremendous success. The activity emphasizes youth engagement, enjoyment and teamwork. The adaptations made for the game continue to raise environmental awareness among young people of all ages, abilities, genders and nationalities.
Young people are more likely to absorb, remember and enjoy what they see and hear through hands-on interactive activities. This simple approach has helped them become more environmentally aware of the impact introduced species have on our waterways.
Through fun, engaging, hands-on activities, we can plant seeds and inspire the next generation.
Learnings
Good Fish Bad Fish was voted as one of the best environmental activities young people engaged in at Sunray Warriors in 2024. Voted by teachers and students.
Key facts
- Hands-on, interactive and fun
- Keep it simple, don't overthink the activity
- What is the take-home message