Stirring Up Sustainability – Interdisciplinary Projects with a Purpose
Glasgow's Climate Week blog posts
At Eastbank Academy, our second year pupils are taking action on sustainability through a range of inspiring interdisciplinary projects that connect science, creativity, and practical life skills. Our learners are exploring what it really means to live more sustainably and how they can lead the charge on one of our most pressing global issues of our time-climate change.
In science, pupils have been shocked to learn that food waste isn’t just a matter of scraps in the bin. When it ends up in landfill, it’s broken down to release methane, a greenhouse gas even more potent than carbon dioxide. This realisation has sparked action!
As part of their call to action, each group is taking on a practical challenge: to create a recipe using leftovers from a typical weekly shop. By doing this, pupils are not only applying their scientific understanding of decomposition and greenhouse gases, but also learning valuable life skills like cooking, planning, and teamwork.
Once their leftover-based meals are prepared, it’s time to hit the taste test trail! Pupils will be inviting staff and fellow students to try their culinary creations and give feedback. This element adds a fun, real-world twist to the project, while also encouraging the school community to think differently about food waste.
"It's important for the planet to try and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by re-using and then reducing emissions" Sahra Choudar, Student
But that’s just the start.
Our pupils will also be stepping into the lab to make their own bioplastics! By exploring eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics, they're learning how science can be a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
Other pupils are taking on the issue of fast fashion — researching how discarded clothing contributes to landfill waste and pollution. With a creative twist, they’re giving old clothes a brand new lease of life through upcycling. These future fashion designers are giving Gucci and Chanel a run for their money, turning tired garments into trendy wearable pieces, proving that fashion can be both fun and eco-friendly.
"I believe we should take care of the planet. There are still things to do. By upcycling you create a new piece that's only for you, you get a new perspective and you are thoughtful and re-imagining how it would look instead of throwing it away." Charlize Amoes, Student
Another group is thinking big by thinking small. They’re designing and building model eco-shelters, carefully considering structure, sustainability, and the use of renewable energy. This is a perfect example of engineering meets environmental science, and the results are already looking impressive!
"It's fun to work with friends. It improves communication skills as we have to present our work in a team. We learned a lot about other cultures" Nico White, Student
And it doesn’t stop with science and design. Creativity is flowing through music and the performing arts too. One pupil is writing and performing an original climate change song, complete with acoustic guitar — using music to call for climate action. Meanwhile, a talented group of girls are using dance and movement to communicate the story of climate change and sustainability through expression and emotion. Their performance brings a powerful, human element to the scientific facts.
Together, these projects represent the best of interdisciplinary learning here at Eastbank Academy — real-world issues explored through science, creativity, and teamwork. Pupils will soon present their work to the wider school community in an effort to persuade others to reduce waste, recycle more, and rethink the way we live.
Here at Eastbank Academy, we’re proud to say our pupils aren’t just learning about sustainability — they are living it. And they’re inspiring others to do the same.
Young people have the power to have a huge impact on climate action. Not only does this support the wider sustainability work across the city as outlined in The Climate Plan, but also helps with engagement on climate activity in our communities. Through work like this our journey to Net Zero will be inspired and shaped by the next generation.