San Anton School Junior Sector has dedicated this scholastic term to environmental awareness, and to one Grade Three class this has meant a closer look at the Maltese beaches which many miniature organisms call home. These enthusiastic 6 year olds looked at the many forms of pollution affecting this area and discussed ways in which they could be of help. Earlier on in the term they were given the opportunity of talking to Dr. Simone Borg, an authority on marine law, who explained to them that, through legislation, the sea is slowly being protected against unnecessary pollution. They saw video clips of clean beaches and seas teaming with life and others of polluted areas from which all life had disappeared. Promises were made by all to always dispose of their rubbish responsibly so as not to pollute the country and the surrounding sea and in so doing protect the turtles from choking on floating plastic bags.

The highlight of this environmental project was a field trip which took place last Friday 8 th February. The budding scientists descended on Gneja Bay to find as many living organisms as possible on the shoreline. They looked at the sand, the water, the rocks and the washed up Posedonia to search for plants and animals that inhabit these often overlooked habitats. With the help of school teachers and heads of San Anton School, as well as members of the diving community and a marine biologist from the Institute of Environmental Studies, they flocked down to the shore in their coloured Wellington boots, armed with binoculars, water telescopes and collection boxes.

Soon the excitement began to grow as each little group discovered periwinkles, limpets, jellyfish, crabs, shrimps and a variety of algae growing in the area. The little scientists soon had their information sheets full of names and drawings of their discoveries and the collection boxes full of algae samples.

The animals were soon back in the water and the young scientists and their collection boxes full of broken shells and algae that had been washed up during the heavy storms, were on their way to the Institute of Environmental Studies in Mosta where the staff was waiting for them.

The excitement continued to grow as sorting trays were prepared for the identification process. Plants were placed in one tray and animals in another. But, where do you put the dead Posedonia leaves? Hoppers hopped out of the sea grass and the youngsters had obviously never seen anything like this. Everyone wanted to catch one. So the hoppers hopped, the kids shrieked and the grown ups, too, were soon taken up with the excitement. Out came the magnifying glasses again and microscopes were set up so that all the kids could take a good look at those hopping creatures that came out of the seemingly dead sea grass.

When the excitement had died down the group continued with their program looking at the various samples of animals and plants that Ms. Marika Pace Gauci and the rest of the team at I.E.S. had waiting for them.

“The aim of this project is primarily to create awareness in the children, as well as their families, of the beauty and diversity that lies hidden on our shores in the hope of them becoming more responsible people, while enjoying them on the beaches during the Summer Holidays” commented Ms Anna De Giorgio the students` class teacher and the co-ordinator of this event.

“Often people do not realize what harm they do to small eco systems just by catching a few small fish or snails. How often do we see small fish, crabs and shrimps left to roast in the sun in a child`s bucket in the name of entertainment for young children? Wouldn`t it be better to educate our children to better appreciate the different life forms and preserve them?”

All in all this was the best day everybody has had in a long time and as a result Malta has many marine biologists in the making.

All the Grade Three students are enrolled in the Project Aware Kids Club which is an International Association which conserves underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Their next Project Aware activity will be a beach clean up.

A very big thank you goes to Ms. Rita Vella from Diveshack, Ms. Danielle Calenti and the staff at I.E.S. for all their help and support to make such a field trip possible

“This event was a definite success, not only because the children had a whale of a time, but because the objectives were reached and these children will grow up to be wealthier citizens better able to love and appreciate nature in all forms.” Concluded Ms De Giorgio