Water workshop makes a splash at Cloncurry schools
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Water was a hot topic for students at Cloncurry State School P-12 and St Joseph’s Catholic School as they explored different aspects of water management in a special workshop delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) with the support of South32.
Cloncurry State School P-12 principal, Victoria Menkins said the workshop gave real-world context to topics in the science and geography curriculum for the Year 7 students.
“Investigating local water is a practical way for the students to explore the concept of renewable resources and understand how different variables impact on water quality,” said Ms Menkins.
“The students are at an age where they are becoming more aware of environmental issues and the need to manage water supply, particularly in our region,”
South32 Cannington Vice President Operations Joe Russell said, “At South32, we know that water is a valuable shared resource that we must take care of.
“South32 Cannington Specialist Environment, Emily Love, attended the recent QMEA workshop to teach the students about some of our water management processes at Cannington, and to undertake a wqter filtration experiment, which I know many of the students were very interested in.
“It’s great to be able to teach young people about some of our operations and how, at South32, we are working to produce commodities critical for a low-carbon future.”
The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and delivers schools workshops to stimulate an interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects and trades which can ultimately lead to great career opportunities in the resources sector.
QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Katrina-Lee Jones said today’s workshop had been designed to increase knowledge, participate in scientific investigations and develop critical thinking.
“Applying the school curriculum to local operations, like South32’s Cannington mine, with the expertise of an environmental scientist creates a unique educational workshop for the Year 7 students,” said Ms Jones.