Building Waste – STEM Structures for Sustainability

The "Building Waste" program is an interactive educational initiative designed for children to explore STEM principles through hands-on activities using pre-cut shapes made from recycled materials. This program emphasizes sustainability by teaching kids how to construct structures with eco-friendly components that easily slot together, fostering creativity and teamwork.

Conceived by Picture Thinking for Buninyong Sustainability, the program benefits greatly from the generous support of McCormacks Australia, which supplied all the necessary products, and FORM IMAGINATION, responsible for cutting the shapes used in the building activities.

Participants will begin with workshops that introduce essential concepts in engineering, design, and sustainability. They will learn about the importance of recycling and how to creatively repurpose materials. By utilizing pre-cut shapes made from materials like SAveboard, children can engage in the building process without complex tools, making it accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.

The program encourages children to build what they can, when they can, whether in their school environment or during events like the Smart Living Expo. This flexible approach allows for exploration and experimentation, enabling participants to design and assemble various structures using the provided shapes. As they work individually and in teams, they will brainstorm ideas, plan their designs, and collaborate to create stable, functional structures. This interactive experience reinforces STEM concepts while fostering essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication.

The outcome of the "Building Waste" program is to provide children with opportunities to utilize their pre-cut shapes either in their classrooms or at the Smart Living Expo. Through this initiative, children will develop a deeper understanding of sustainability and environmental responsibility while enjoying a fun, creative outlet that emphasizes teamwork and innovation.