Introduction to Our Marine Conservation Club
Every Thursday, the Marine Conservation ECA (Extracurricular Activity) becomes a hub of oceanic discovery and hands-on exploration. Led by Grade 11 student leaders: Kitty Ma, Hanna Chang, Jason Qian, and Roddy Li, this student-run club is dedicated to popularizing marine biology and raising awareness about the urgent need for marine conservation.
Our passion is infectious: through club activities, students encounter fascinating ocean creatures like jellyfish, pufferfish, starfish, and crabs right in the classroom. By observing these real-life animals, club members gain a unique, tangible experience that sparks curiosity and deepens their love for marine biology, empowering them to become advocates for ocean conservation.
A Meaningful Event at Vanke Bilingual School
Recently, the club extended its educational mission beyond our school campus by delivering a special lecture to Grade 7 students at Vanke Bilingual School. This 45-minute presentation, titled “Conservation of Endangered Marine Organisms,” was designed specifically for Class 3 of the seventh grade. The event highlighted the club’s commitment to outreach and the leaders’ ability to communicate complex scientific ideas with clarity and enthusiasm.
Inspiration
The inspiration to host a lecture for younger students came from a genuine desire to ignite curiosity and foster environmental responsibility at an early age. As Kitty Ma shared, “We believe that introducing marine conservation to younger students can plant the seeds for lifelong interest and stewardship. By making science accessible and exciting, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for our oceans.” The idea was also sparked by positive feedback from previous activities, where younger students expressed awe and fascination during hands-on sessions, confirming the impact of interactive learning.
About the Lecture
During the lecture, each club leader introduced a different endangered marine species: the sunflower sea star, the mauve stinger jellyfish, the vaquita porpoise, and the famously peculiar blobfish. The classroom buzzed with excitement, especially when the leaders brought in live specimens, including a real sea star and marine fish. The students’ reactions ranged from delighted screams to wide-eyed wonder, creating an unforgettable, immersive learning experience. To make the session even more interactive, we actively engaged the students by asking them questions throughout the presentation, encouraging them to think critically and share their ideas about marine conservation. One of the highlights came when we invited the students to come up to the board and draw their own versions of the blobfish—a challenge that sparked laughter and creativity as everyone tried to capture the blobfish’s unique look. This blend of hands-on interaction, lively discussion, and creative activity not only made the information more memorable but also helped students build a personal connection with the fascinating creatures they learned about.
Contribution to Our School — SUIS Gubei
The Marine Conservation Club’s initiatives have made a significant contribution to our school community. By organizing interactive lessons, leading scientific outreach, and fostering a culture of environmental awareness, the club empowers students to become informed, responsible global citizens. Our work not only enriches our science curriculum but also inspires students school-wide to take action for the planet, proving that when passionate leaders share their knowledge, they can truly make waves of positive change.
