(Alberta) Creating a more sustainable future—one picnic table at a time!

In Airdrie, Alberta, a group of Grade 1 and 2 French immersion students from A.E. Bowers Elementary is redefining what early learners can achieve — with the help of 3D printers, community partners, and a big question: “How can we help limit litter in our parks and picnic areas?”

This remarkable story took centre stage during an Engaged Learning VIP Event hosted by Nicole Arsenault, with featured guests Caitlin Cornell and Elyse Schlichter, the French immersion teachers guiding the initiative. The session drew from Caitlin’s article in Engaged Learning magazine’s spring issue, themed “Teaching for a Sustainable Future,” highlighting a hands-on project rooted in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and Alberta’s curriculum.

Turning Concern Into Action

The inspiration came after students noticed litter at local parks like Nose Creek in Airdrie and Banff National Park’s Cascade Ponds — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They learned how wildlife-safe bins, placed far from picnic tables to deter animals, often resulted in garbage being left behind. The students were moved by images of littered picnic areas and decided to act.

What followed was a collaborative, cross-curricular journey. With the support of a Bohabitat Student Action Challenge grant, Caitlin and Elyse’s classes partnered with Grade 9 French immersion students from a local high school. Together, they prototyped solutions using basic materials and later transitioned to digital design with Tinkercad and iPads. The students applied the scientific method to create, print, and test their devices using an in-class 3D printer.

Design, Test, Refine

Early 3D-printed models took up to 13 hours to produce, prompting one young designer to suggest scaling down the prototypes — a time-saving solution that accelerated development. Students experimented with various hook and clip configurations before settling on a durable “lid-style” design based on performance and peer feedback. They also authored bilingual step-by-step instructions, turning technical writing into a meaningful language learning experience.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

A pivotal moment came during a field trip to Banff National Park, organized with Parks Canada staff. Students filmed an instructional video for their device, took part in a park cleanup, and even featured in a Parks Canada music video, “Put Your Food Away,” promoting responsible waste disposal. Their work was so well received that Parks Canada expressed interest in using the project as a case study for innovation in future park planning.

Locally, the students installed a prototype at Nose Creek Park, complete with a QR code linking to their instructional video. Though temporarily removed due to park upgrades, there are plans to reinstall it this June — a testament to the project’s lasting impact.

Real-World Skills, Real-World Impact

Throughout the process, students engaged deeply with science, technology, language arts, and social studies outcomes. The interdisciplinary nature of the project made room for authentic assessment and fostered curiosity, resilience, and a strong sense of agency. French immersion students benefited from rich language experiences, collaborating with older peers and Parks Canada staff in both official languages.

Caitlin and Elyse credit their partnership and community support for the project’s success. “It was one of the best years we’ve ever had,” they said, underscoring how collaborative, problem-based learning can transform classrooms and communities alike.

Their advice to other educators? Don’t do it alone. “Reach out. The support is there, and the results are worth it.”

Watch the full session from the Engaged Learning VIP Event to see how interdisciplinary, student-led innovation is helping create a more sustainable future—one picnic table at a time.