Greener Henley’s Schools Science Fair: Learning Through Action
Learning Through Action
By Julia
Last November, as leaders gathered at COP29 to address the climate emergency, students here in Henley were taking action at Greener Henley’s first-ever Schools Science Fair. This Fair, hosted at The Henley College, brought together 120 children from 16 schools, and teachers, for a morning of hands-on learning about the effects of different types of pollution on our world and the solutions we can implement locally.
The Science Fair was organised around interactive experiments on pollution’s five main types: air, water, light, chemical, and plastic, and simulated real, local issues. With a variety of experiments ranging from observing how agricultural run-off can leach into our waterways, testing particulate matter from the burning of diesel in vehicles and wood-burning stoves, and learning how artificial light at night can adversely affect nocturnal wildlife, students witnessed first-hand the impact of human activities on our ecosystems and on human health. They were able to explore how even small oil spills can devastate waterways, harming fish and birds, and how acid rain, driven by industrial pollutants, damages plant life and soil.
Jack Burrows, a Shiplake College teacher and Greener Henley organiser, introduced the day with a powerful message: “Our actions and activities have made our environment uncomfortable for so many species of plants and animals. It is so important for us to live peacefully with nature because we need nature in order to survive.”
The Fair’s success lay in its peer-to-peer learning approach. Local secondary and Henley College students led the experiments, making complex environmental issues accessible for younger primary students. This approach created a unique learning experience where students taught each other, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the environment.
Charlie Burkitt, Year 6 pupil at St Mary’s School, said “It was really fun today, there were lots of activities. I found out that pollution isn’t just rubbish, it can come in many different forms like acid, and fossil fuels. Not all pollution in water can be seen. And a really interesting thing that I found out, is that there is noise pollution and light pollution.”
The Science Fair also served a larger purpose in supporting schools’ climate and nature action plans, a requirement set by the Department for Education by 2025. Burrows emphasised that the event is “not just for the children, it is for schools in Henley and the surrounding villages too,” inspiring schools in the development of their climate and nature action plans. Greener Henley runs regular online sessions to support sustainability leads and teachers from local schools in sharing best practice and challenges in carrying out this vital work.
Greener Henley organiser Diana Barnett (pictured far right), said: “We had a wonderful morning of science activities – Rotherfield Hall was alive and buzzing with enthusiasm as keen students wanted to learn about and be part of the pollution solution. Those pupils present went back to their schools eager to tell their peers and encourage their schools to take further action to make the environment better for all living beings.”
All schools took back Particulate Monitors they had made to hang in their school grounds and will send Greener Henley their results. Gillotts led this activity having previously tried out the monitors by placing them around their school grounds and in Henley garden. They brought a microscope to the Science Fair to show everyone what the particulate matter that we are all breathing in looks like. Diana encouraged all the children to write to their local MP, to let them know just how much they want clean air.
Following the Science Fair we were excited to hear that the Year 9 students from Chiltern Edge (Maiden Erleigh) asked their teacher if the Year 9’s could run a Science Fair in the summer term for their Year 7’s. Also encouraged by the Fair, the Henley College students set up a Student Sustainability Group and decided their first event they want to hold is a Science Fair for teachers and students at the college.
Kate Oldridge, Chair of Greener Henley, said: “Facing the global climate and nature crisis, it’s clear that real change begins at the grassroots, and there is nothing more inspiring than our children leading the way on climate and nature action to spur us to action. Events like our Science Fair empower young minds and communities to take action locally, and show how community-led action can inspire and drive the broader shifts we need in national policy. Together, small steps lead to monumental change, creating cleaner air, safer waters, and a healthier future for all.
The Fair prompted enthusiastic participation from the community, with Henley Town Council, Tesco, and The Henley College providing invaluable support. We hope that the Fair will inspire local schools to accelerate action toward sustainability, as well as encouraging families and community members to adopt more eco-friendly habits.
There are so many ways we can all reduce pollution in our environment, from reducing single-use plastics, to choosing to walk/cycle instead of using the car, as well as consuming less animal products – check out our Top 10 Pollution-busting Tips below [include points Top Ten Tips below in a box somewhere on the page]. Small changes really do add up, and by acting collectively, Henley can send a clear message to regional, and – ultimately – national decision-makers, that we must stop polluting our environment.
At Greener Henley we work with local schools and the wider community to create a greener, cleaner and safer future for all. To stay up to date with what we’re doing and find out how you can get involved visit our website or follow us on social media. As we grow, we are looking for communications/marketing experts, events organisers and project managers to work with us – get in touch if you are interested.
Top Ten Pollution-busting Tips:
1. Choose active transport – can you walk, bike or use public transport to reduce emissions and improve air quality?
2. Reduce light pollution to protect nocturnal wildlife – turn off all unnecessary home/business lighting, draw blinds and curtains, and use shielded, warm-toned outdoor lights.
3. Consider car sharing and EVs – could you use car-sharing, or switch to an EV if you drive?
4. Reduce use of log-burning stoves, the most polluting method of domestic heating, to reduce particulate matter which can be dangerous for your family’s health.
5. Reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which not only cause global heating but also acid rain and oil spills – switch to renewable energy for home and business heating.
6. Use eco-friendly products – clean with biodegradable products to protect our waterways and wildlife from harmful chemicals.
7. Refuse single use plastics – use reusable bags, bottles and containers to cut plastic waste and encourage local businesses to do the same. Buy from refill shops if you can.
8. Reduce consumption of animal products to reduce agricultural, nutrient run-off which is one of the key causes of river pollution in the UK – add more plant-based meals to your week
9. Garden organically – use natural alternatives to chemical pesticides and herbicides, which contaminate waterways, reduce biodiversity, harm beneficial insects like pollinators and negatively impact soil health. 10. Advocate for national policy changes to reduce pollution in the UK in all its forms – support Greener Henley policy campaigns and email /talk to your local MP.
