15-18

Different species but still depend on each other

submitted by Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School Naxxar : John Charles Fenech  for 15-18
dissemination(s): newspaper, radio, school magazine, school media
filed under Photos

This image shows a clear difference between the human species and the lady bugs. Everything is different start from the texture of the two species. One cannot go not noticing the size difference too. apart from that, the two species have a different shape, breathe differently and much more. One could go on and on stating the differences between these two species. What one may not realise is that both species depend on each other. Each species performs a certain function and helps to keep nature in balance. The loss of one species could influence the food chain/web, the ecological succession process and much more. A species such as the lady bug also helps the environment to stay pure and may feed on harmful creatures. In fact a lady bug is often used as a biological pest control by us humans in farming. Rather than stating the differences between us and other species, it would be more beneficial to see how each species can contribute to nature and how we need each species.



Read More

We may not see it but it’s still there

submitted by Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School Naxxar : John Charles Fenech  for 15-18
dissemination(s): newspaper, radio, school magazine, school media
filed under Photos

This little yellow spider is called a humped crab spider (Thominus onustus) and is able to perform camouflage when on yellow structures, especially yellow coloured plants. This characteristic aids the spider during predation by enabling it to sneak easily on insects which come on yellow flowers to feed on nectar. This is a marvellous and unique species which is limited to its ecological background. Unfortunately, the ecology of the Maltese Islands is already at its knees due the high amount of urbanisation within the islands. To add the cherry on the cake, a species such as this is not noticed by many people since it is small and is able to perform camouflage. We often tend to disregard what we cannot see. If we do not take care of these species which depend on these important but fragile ecology, then the ecosystems will start to degrade bit by bit. These species are fundamental in nature and need to be preserved. It is time to realise that there is more than meets the eye in nature and we need to start looking closer.



Read More

Let’s Look After the Environment

submitted by Mosta Youth Empowerment Centre : Kurt John Sant  for 15-18
dissemination(s): school media
filed under Video Clips

One only needs to take a look around to decide what is the right way forward…



Read More

The Profit from the Market?

submitted by ST. Margaret College Girls' Secondary School Zejtun : Martina Brincat, Naomi Delia  for 15-18
dissemination(s): newspaper, other, School, school magazine, school media, website
filed under Video Clips

This video investigates the reality of the markets. Although the sellers make good profit from the market few of us actually considers the negative impact on the surroundings; especially after the market is over. Watch this video to appreciate the undesirable view left by such sellers; which contrast greatly with the clean environment found beforehand. Is there something to do about this after-market-mess?



Read More

The Christmas Aftermath

submitted by St. Margaret's College Girls' Secondary School Zejtun : Nicole Buttigieg  for 15-18
dissemination(s): newspaper, Notice boards and social media, other, School assemblies, school magazine, school media, website
filed under Video Clips

Nearly everyone enjoys the Christmas festive, but few of us are aware of the huge amount of waste produced during this period By watching this video you will get a much clear picture of what is really going on and how recycling can save you money and waste.



Read More

1st Place YRE – Article 15-18yrs: Of Tunnels and Reservoirs: The National Flood Relief Project

submitted by G F Abela Junior College Msida : Samuel Azzopardi  for 15-18
dissemination(s): school media, website
filed under Articles

This article investigates the measures Malta is taking at a national level, to reduce the flood water problems during the winter, and harness some of this water for use as second class water.



Read More

1st Place YRE – Photo 15-18yrs: Licensed to Kill

submitted by St.Benedict College Girls' Secondary School Tarxien : Emma Louise Borg  for 15-18
dissemination(s): other, Participation in School Photographic Competition & School Open Day, school media, website
filed under Photos

Pesticides are designed to kill insects, fungus, bacteria and other organisms that feed on crops. These pests create loads of nuisance to farmers as they are vectors of disease and destroy crops. Pesticides and genetically modified organisms are the means used by some farming companies to ensure that they will get the crop yield they demand every season; no matter how it hurts the environment or the consumers. Some pesticides work by poisoning the pollen and nectar of flowers and this can kill needed pollinators like butterflies and bees. Organic farming, in particular biological pest control, should be used instead of pesticides. For example, the larvae of lady bugs can be used to control aphids. Butterflies and bees are wonderful creatures that need protection. These tireless insects do a vital job pollinating flowers, shrubs, and fruit trees. Their presence surely adds a touch of beauty and delight to our countryside.



Read More

2nd Place YRE – Photo 15-18yrs: Seagulls

submitted by De la Salle College Senior School Vittoriosa : Sebastian Spiteri  for 15-18
dissemination(s): school magazine, school media
filed under Photos

Unlike us humans the seagulls are free and time does not pressure their life on earth; their minutes do not “hasten to their end ” . One may experience life clearer through a lens, as the most valuable moments may be captured and enjoyed forever. The photo was taken during the winter months of last year in Font Ghadir, Sliema. My objective was to capture the seagulls in their natural habitat without any urban structures obstructing the photograph. Personally I believe I succeeded in doing just that.



Read More

3rd Place YRE – Photo 15-18yrs: Rescued

submitted by St.Benedict College Girls' Secondary School Tarxien : Sera Camilleri  for 15-18
dissemination(s): other, Participation in School Photographic Competition & School Open Day, school media, website
filed under Photos

The discharge of untreated waste water is a potential health and environmental hazard. Sewage can lead to oxygen depletion, thus killing several marine creatures. Moreover, raw sewage outfalls can have a significant negative impact on coastal areas. These photographs show picturesque views of Wied Znuber- Hal-Far. As a young student, it is very difficult for me to imagine how in the past a sewage outfall was located in this area making this scenic spot unattractive to tourists and locals. One of the photographs shows two helpless dogs which were abandoned in this area in a stagnant pool of sewage. Fortunately, these were later rescued. Fortunately, in the past few years, a new sewage treatment plant was constructed at Ta’ Barkat- limits off Xghajra. Eventually, the outfall at Wied Znuber is no longer in operation. This was certainly a step in the right direction towards having cleaner seas.



Read More

1st Place YRE – Video 15-18yrs: Report on Organic Waste Management at Our School

submitted by The Archbishop's Seminary : EkoSkola Committee  for 15-18
dissemination(s): school magazine, school media, website
filed under Video Clips

The Archbishop’s Seminary in Rabat, Malta, is a large institution comprising of a primary and secondary school and the major seminary. The kitchen of the major seminary alone generates between 1 and 2 kilos of organic waste every day. The accumulation of food left-overs in the rubbish bin of the seminary kitchen was video recorded and disseminated throughout the school as part of the Wrigley – Litter Less Campaign. An interview was then organised between the students, and the Seminary Rector, Fr Jimmy, asking about the possibility of converting organic waste into compost.



Read More