Slaters under the Microscope at RESC

Earlier this term Rooms 33, 36 and 37 took part in a Micro-Critters Workshop presented by Robyn Brown, Waste Education Officer from Rivers Regional Council. The incursion was a planned learning experience as part of the biological sciences curriculum. Slaters and other critters under the microscope filled the students with awe and questions.

The Waste Wise Compost Critter is one of several incursions offered as a reward to Accredited Waste Wise Schools to acknowledge their effort to change behaviours towards waste.

Students were able to use microscopes to find small creatures within different samples of soil which they collected from buckets and put on petri trays. They were encouraged to match and identify creatures on provided charts. Students enjoyed having the opportunity to explore and investigate the micro-critters, like real scientists.

“Riverside ESC has made a really good effort to recycle paper and address waste reduction,” said Ms Brown. “During the incursion, we explored micro critters that help to transform organic materials into recycled matter for gardens. We looked at slaters, earthworms, earwigs, mites and ants under the microscope. I am glad the students enjoyed their incursion.”

Mrs Diana Edwards
Science/Support Teacher

(Images courtesy of Rivers Regional Council)