‘Extinction Experts’: Oliver, Leo and Timothy with teacher Jane Truswell (not pictured: Archer and Wren)
Story by Liz Durnan
When school kids around the state heard the call: Invent or innovate something that will change our world and leave a lasting impact, Lawson Public School students rose to the challenge.
The day I visit Lawson Public School, the children gathered in the library are buzzing with excitement. They’re fresh from taking part in this year’s Game Changer Challenge, with two of the three teams making it to the semi-finals.
Key Points:
The Game Changer Challenge is an annual event by the NSW Department of Education
In 2023 students were challenged to ‘invent or innovate something that will change our world and leave a lasting impact’
Lawson Public School took up the challenge in 2023 with impressive results
In the annual Game Changer Challenge, the NSW Department of Education sets a ‘Wicked Problem’ for primary and secondary schools around the state. This ‘design thinking competition’ encourages students to discover real-world solutions to real-world problems.
The three teams have devised their own names – Einstein’s Minions (years 5 & 6) are addressing the issue of bushfires; The Extinction Experts (years 3 & 4) look at species loss in the Blue Mountains; and The Revolution Ducks (years 4, 5 & 6) tackle the problem of littering.
Team ‘Revolution Ducks’: Devendra, Lachlan, Talara and Luella with teacher Jane Truswell (not pictured: Sadie)
According to Learning & Support Teacher Jane Truswell, the Game Changer Challenge inspires the students to think carefully about practical ways they can make an impact.
“It has given them a sense of agency to face the world’s problems,” Jane says. “If they want to talk to somebody in the field, they can interview an ecologist or they can talk to people from different services and find out more.
This is not something they’ve done before, so it’s really helped connect their learning with things they can change in the world. – Jane Truswell, Learning & Support Teacher
Relieving Principal Hayley Cross agrees: “Because the students went out to survey people for their research, the Challenge provided amazing learning opportunities. They were able to tap into a whole other world of learning that allows this out-of-the-box thinking.”
Once each group identified a problem to tackle, they invented their solution and designed a prototype. According to Jane, this design process helped students engage with the reality of the problem.
Each group then filmed a two-minute video outlining the solution and the process.
Team ‘Einstein’s Minions’: Harry, Rhys and Seren ( Not pictured: Alby and Mytchell)
I watch these videos with genuine interest, impressed at the innovative ideas conceived by these students. They are only between 8 and 11 years of age.
Team Extinction Experts
The Extinction Experts looked at animals that are vulnerable to extinction, and focused specifically on threats faced by local species such as the Blue Mountains Water Skink and the Eastern Pygmy Possum.
After finding out more about these creatures, the group proposed an invention they called ‘the hideaway tube’ – a weatherproof retreat space the animal could hide in to cope with extreme events.
As part of their research, the students spoke to Julie Favell from the Lithgow Environment Group, learning about post-bushfire research on homes for Pygmy Possums and how people have reused pipes to create homes for the animals.
Team Revolution Ducks
Meanwhile, The Revolution Ducks focused on the impact of littering, examining rubbish sorting and waste minimisation initiatives at Lawson.
The Revolution Ducks team work on their video submission
Their idea was to make this waste more sortable with the invention of a wearable backpack designed specifically for waste: complete with sections for people to sort their waste on the go.
Team Einstein’s Minions
The third team, Einstein’s Minions, investigated bushfires and conceived a complex solution involving temperature sensors and sprinklers that would react to temperatures, cooling down surfaces in the event of bushfire. For this, they extensively researched backburning and the ways it’s used to fight bushfires.
In each case, the problem focuses on an issue that directly affects their local community. The students surveyed their peers extensively, then their wider community, to discover the things that impact them, and what they worry about.
They also found their solutions within that community, mostly from experts with local knowledge.
It’s even more impressive to learn that the children came up with many of the ideas independently, with only a little help and encouragement from Jane.
Design Thinking
Along with playbooks provided by the Department of Education to teach design thinking strategies, the teams worked together to use research to find solutions.
Design thinking is a human-centred process to solving complex problems.
Empathy and collaboration are at the heart of design thinking.
The five-step process starts by encouraging problem solvers to walk in the shoes of those experiencing the ‘problem’ to gain a deeper insight into the challenges and issues they face (empathy).
This knowledge is then used to develop a clear problem statement (define), work on solutions (ideate), turn these solutions into tangible products (prototype) and then see whether the solution will work (test).
When I talk to the students about their ideas, their enthusiasm is palpable. I hear how they’re directly affected by the issues they address, such as bushfires, and how closely some have been personally impacted by them.
“We had loads of ideas actually,” Harry from Einstein’s Minions tells me. “And I don’t know how we decided on bushfires. It’s something you think about quite a bit.”
While they all agree the project was ‘lots of fun’, they’re candid about the difficulties at times. They articulated one of the most important life lessons: you make mistakes, fail and repeat the process until you get it.
Making the video was another key learning experience, also completed with minimal help from teachers who mainly provided guidance on using the technology and script storyboarding.
The Einstein’s Minion’s team participate in a semi-final brainstorming session.
This all fostered a collaborative supportive approach among the children with the teams helping each other out despite them being up against each other in the competition.
According to Hayley, the roles each student took on within the group enhanced not only the learning process, but also their social skills.
“They had to work as a team, even though many of the academically bright kids can be very solo,” Hayley says.
“This was challenging at first because they had to look at their skills: some might be communicators; some might have emerging leadership skills. They didn’t always get the role they wanted but they took it maturely and worked together.
“And they completed the project, which doesn’t always happen because they’re interested in lots of new things. But here, we had a deadline to stick to, so it really allowed us to do that full circle.”
She is equally proud of all the teams and embraced the idea of the Game Changer Challenge when presented by Jane.
The Extinction Experts team work on large design canvases during the semi final
For Jane, discovering solutions empowered the students to make sense of the world.
The Game Changer Challenge is very much around listening to what kids would like and how they’d like to make the world a better place. – Jane Truswell
Hayley agrees. “Sometimes people say, ‘Oh, you’re just kids’. But kids make a huge difference. And it starts there, doesn’t it?”
120 teams took part in the virtual semi-finals of the Game Changer Challenge, held in Week Six and Seven of Term Three.
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
Join Rotarians for Planetary Health on International Women`s Day, from 2.30-4pm Sun 8 March, for the opening of a portrait display to celebrate local women who have made a meaningful impact on protecting animals and nature. The photographs by Sue Lightfoot and others are part of a long-term initiative to build a living, community-driven database of women working to protect animals and the natural world.
The display will be open until 1 April, Thursday to Saturday, 9.30am–3.30pm at the Junction 142 Village markets (church space). As the project develops, community members will be invited to nominate women whose work deserves recognition.
The launch follows the Uniting Church and Plant Inspired`s monthly community luncheon from 12-2pm, which this month features the Older Women`s Network Blue Mountains. For more information contact 0434 691 496 (Teya)
In a world being threatened by war, greed, cruelty and selfishness, the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend will close with a gathering of people who have faith that kindness, generosity, love, creativity and community, and the healing of our land, are a better way forward. We`re thrilled that harpist Dawn Egan will be performing at this inspiring event in the Planetary Health exhibition space. Afternoon tea will be provided. Register to attend here (link in profile under Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Had lunch yet? Head over to the Planetary Health Centre for these delicious offerings from @8thingskatoomba today (Sat 28 Feb): South Indian dosa, Korean bao, NY Cheese burger, Bali nasi, Mullum tofu fries, shoestring fires & red bean mochi!
Don`t miss hearing Andrew Skeoch at 2pm today at the Planetary Health Centre! He`s an acoustic ecologist and author of `Deep Listening to Nature` and uses technology to help identify the different `conversations` happening in the world around us. His presentations are a revelation! Reserve your spot here (link in profile under Planetary Health Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Experience the joy and sense of purpose that connecting to community, nature, and your own creativity can provide this weekend at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend. There will be delicious food and coffee, music, art, workshops, nature walks, talks, an Interfaith Gathering and the following stalls:
Food vendor: @8thingskatoomba Zensational Coffee Cart @blue_mts_conservation_society Blue Mountains Wildplant Rescue Blue Mountains Women`s Health & Resource Centre (BMWHRC) Greater Blue Mountains Rotary @permaculturematters Acoustic Ecologist and author of ‘Deep Listening to Nature’, Andrew Skeoch @lacebrookstitchery Sustainable death care BMCC Sustainability and Waste team BMCC Bushcare team View the full program and reserve your spot for a range of activities here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Are humans the only species capable of grief? While grief is often treated as a uniquely human experience, any animal capable of forming attachments also has the capacity to grieve. Join Teya Brooks Pribac, author of ‘Animal Grief and Spirituality: Cross-Species Perspectives’ at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Sat 28 Feb, as she reviews key theoretical foundations of cross-species grief. The flip side of deeply caring for animals is the grief we also feel when we lose them - beloved companion animals, wildlife, or animals harmed by human activity. By validating both nonhuman animal grief and human grief for other animals, this presentation invites a more compassionate and inclusive understanding of loss. Reserve your spot here (link in profile for Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Would you like to help those around you who may be struggling with their mental health? Come along to the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Sat 28 Feb for an Introduction to Mental Health First Aid. Rotarian Ian Scott will define mental health, talk briefly about the most common mental health issues in Australia, and cover the basics of recognising when someone is experiencing a mental health issue or problem. He`ll outline what is covered in a full Mental Health First Aid course. We are planning to deliver a course later this year so it`s a great opportunity to learn more. Reserve your spot here (Link in profile for PH Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
At our Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Sat 28 Feb, Christopher Smith and Juan Roberson, Shared Reading facilitators, will introduce how the reading and discussion of great short stories and poetry can change lives and strengthen social connection, compassion, and empathy. Shared Reading, or social bibliotherapy, for all ages, is one of the most inspiring and magical ways of dealing with loneliness and the struggles of the human condition. "Shared reading makes the process of revealing who you are to other people safer." Learn how groups can be run in-person and online. Reserve your spot here (Wellness Weekend link in profile): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
You can view Christopher Smith`s TED Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=dAxk61E0R88
It`s just under a week until the Blue Mountains Interfaith Gathering on Sun 1 March, starting with a smoking ceremony by Chris Tobin at 2pm. It`s the culmination of the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend which is looking at physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Afternoon tea will be provided. Reserve your spot here (link in profile under Wellness Weekend): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
Join Harumi Hayakawa for an introduction to ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Saturday 28 February. You’ll get hands-on practice creating an arrangement and learn about the history and philosophy of ikebana, and how this calm, meditative practice uses flowers as a gentle and creative form of therapy. Reserve your spot here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
Learn how to incorporate meditation and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction into your life at our Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Sat 28 Feb. Experience a short interactive mindfulness activity led by Betty Ramsay, physio and health coach at The University of Sydney. She has years of experience working with people who are living with life stresses including caring roles, work demands, pain, chronic illness, depression, and anxiety. Reserve your spot for this inspiring and free event here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
Thought about doing yoga but never tried it? Join Sheila Annis from Mountain Mist Yoga in Woodford to experience how this rich and vast practice can lead you on a path to better health, and can even be practised from a chair! Reserve your spot for the Chair Yoga session on Sat 28 Feb at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend in Katoomba here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
Learn more about Mountain Mist Yoga here: https://mountainmistyoga.com/
Liz Durnan has been writing and editing for digital and print media for over twenty five years, with an interest in sustainable building and travel, food and books. She has lived in cities all over the world, including London, New York and Sydney, before settling in the Blue Mountains where she has built a solar-passive strawbale home. When not writing, she loves cooking, overnight bushwalks and camping.
Andy Klotz and other members of the Hawkesbury Herpetological Society recently managed to photograph the rarely seen and endangered Litoria littlejohni, also known as the Northern Heath Frog or Orange-bellied Tree Frog. We interviewed Andy to learn more about the Littlejohni and how they managed to find its small local population in Woodford.
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