DP1 Collaborative Science Project
In September, as part of the IBDP Group 4 program known as Collaborative Science Project (CSP), our students participated in a learning journey at Ocean Park to understand one of the local conservation efforts. One group of students learned about the equipment and methods used in examining marine animals and understand marine life stranding through actual cases. This group of students also had the opportunity to integrate their conceptual knowledge developed through the study of their science discipline in school to analyse animal skull models and faeces samples in Ocean Park. Another group of students learned about the amazing behaviour of different marine animals and understand how their lifestyles could be changed to protect these treasures of the ocean. This group of students also had the opportunity to visit behind-the-scene area and engage with an Ocean Park aquarist who shared her experiences about the daily operations of animal caretakers. The DP1 students came up with different topics related to marine life conservation and collaborated to produce posters and videos to educate the school community about conservation. Stay tuned for their presentations during STEM Week and Family Fiesta!
Evelyn Wong of DP1:
During a visit to the aquarium, we had the opportunity to meet a shark feeder who shared her insights about her job as a marine biologist. She passionately explained her motivations for pursuing this career and recounted her thrilling experiences of feeding the animals. This encounter further deepened our understanding of the marine ecosystem and the dedication required to protect and care for these incredible creatures. Additionally, we learned about the importance of environmental conservation and observed how the aquarium ensured the safety and well-being of the animals through their advanced filtration system. The visit also included a quiz to reinforce our newfound knowledge, making it an educational and awe-inspiring experience.
Dong Jiayu Jane of DP1:
Firstly, we went to the panda exhibit where we saw adorable red pandas and charming giant pandas as they interacted with their environment in the enclosure. The guides explained their eating and sleeping habits, as well as talked about how Ocean Park tried to replicate their natural environment by providing them with rocks and steep slopes, mimicking alpine areas. Next, we went behind the scenes and observed different panda faeces and animal bone structure, using a microscope to see pandas’ indigestion of leaves. Finally, we learnt more about marine animal stranding, exploring the different tools used to help them and we even got to see the observation deck where they did their necropsy! Overall, it was a really fun and educational experience.
