Sustainability and Science Schools Showcase

In 2022, we brought 20 schools from around Queensland together to discuss sustainability programs and citizen science projects and featured the projects of four Sustainability Superstar schools.

This event returns in 2023.

The 2023 showcase

On Wednesday 14 June 2023, the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist will host its second annual Sustainability and Science Schools Showcase.

We invite four students from years 5-9 and one teacher to join us at the State Library of Queensland between 9am and 1pm. The event will feature:

  • the Queensland Chief Scientist
  • guest speakers on sustainability and citizen science
  • student-led presentations
  • activities which will inspire attendees to think about how they can implement and increase sustainability and citizen science in their schools.

A variety of sustainability and citizen science experts will be available during the event to share their knowledge and expertise. Attendees will have opportunities to chat with these experts, make connections, and see what ideas, passions, programs, and projects inspire them. Meet experts in fields such as:

  • waste management (e.g. organic waste, pollution, litter reduction)
  • habitat restoration (e.g. planting natives)
  • native and edible gardens (e.g. fruit and herb gardens, native plants)
  • climate change citizen science (e.g. air monitoring, heat monitoring)
  • biodiversity/ecology citizen science (e.g. species monitoring apps).

Apply to participate by Friday 21 April 2023 through our Expression of Interest process. As there are a limited number of schools that we can invite, provide as much information in the application as you can.

Complimentary tickets to SparkLab (1pm session) will be available to participants.

Kalindi BrennanOpen larger image

Guest speaker, Kalindi Brennan, delivering her talk on sustainability

Kalindi Brennan and Hugh PossinghamOpen larger image

Guest speaker, Kalindi Brennan, and the former Queensland Chief Scientist, Hugh Possingham

Looking back to 2022

On Monday 20 June 2022, the former Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Hugh Possingham, hosted 20 schools from across Queensland at the Queensland Museum to discuss sustainability actions in schools.

Guest speaker Kalindi Brennan delivered an amazing talk on sustainability before leading an activity between the mentors and students on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Want to lead a similar activity yourself? Let’s think:

  • Which of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (pictured below) do you think is important for your school to work on?
  • What actions can your school take in working towards this goal? Will they need to be small first steps or is your school ready to take a leap? Remember, all action matters!

Create a mind map for as many goals as you want and inspire you and your school to sustainability action!

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The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

  1. No poverty.
  2. Zero hunger.
  3. Good health and well-being.
  4. Quality education.
  5. Gender equality.
  6. Clean water and sanitation.
  7. Affordable and clean energy.
  8. Decent work and economic growth.
  9. Industry innovation and infrastructure.
  10. Reduced inequalities.
  11. Sustainable cities and communities.
  12. Responsible consumption and production.
  13. Climate action.
  14. Life below water.
  15. Life on land.
  16. Peace, justice, and strong institutions.
  17. Partnerships for the goals.

Four Sustainability Superstar schools presented their sustainability projects and took part in a student-led Q&A session.

  • Belgian Gardens State School – Sustainable actions for life below water and life on land – breeding endangered animals and caring for the Great Barrier Reef
  • St. Helens State School – Creating sustainable, life-long habitats in children through waste streaming and green waste composting in a regional primary school
  • Junction Park State School – Sustainability networks in the school garden
  • Holland Park State School – Bin it!

Do you want to take part in this year’s event?

If you are interested in participating, complete the Expression of Interest by Friday 21 April 2023.

As there are a limited number of schools that we can invite, provide as much information in the application as you can.

Limited funding is available for regional schools to attend.

Decisions will be sent out by Friday 19 May 2023.