Nature, within reach, serves as the best extension of the classroom. By appreciating, exploring, and understanding the plants and animals we share our world with, we can create a more engaging and enjoyable learning environment that enhances teaching effectiveness. This approach also helps students develop a positive life perspective. Kowloon Sam Yuk Secondary School promotes a teaching strategy of "Integrating Nature into Education," establishing distinctive interdisciplinary collaboration, extracurricular learning, and diverse activities. Students are encouraged to explore and learn in natural settings and the real world.
Post-Pandemic Healing: Integrating Nature into Education
Nature is rich with invaluable resources. Kowloon Sam Yuk Secondary School has long encouraged students to explore their natural surroundings, utilizing their senses—touch, sight, smell, taste, and hearing—to experience and learn from the tangible world beyond electronic devices and the internet. The school regularly organizes hiking trips and outdoor activities like camping and adventure sports. Principal Leung Wing Mui noted that the initiative to fully integrate nature into education stemmed from students being confined at home during the pandemic, missing opportunities to connect with the outdoors. She hopes that post-pandemic, nature can help facilitate social recovery and benefit students' physical and mental well-being.
The "Little Farmers' Garden" is a starting point for the school’s nature education. An urban farm has been established on the rooftop, allowing students to become little farmers and experience the joys of organic gardening. From tilling the soil and sowing seeds to watering and harvesting, students are actively involved. This hands-on experience not only brings them joy and a sense of achievement but also fosters patience, responsibility, teamwork, and collaboration. Principal Leung believes that the vibrant energy of nature has unique healing properties. By learning to care for plants, students can develop positive thinking and emotional resilience, alleviating stress. Starting with planting activities, the school has also incorporated experiments with aquatic plants, teaching students to scientifically observe and record crop growth, thus merging hands-on activities with academic knowledge.
(The school's garden not only beautifies the campus but also allows students to appreciate and enjoy nature anytime, anywhere.)
(Students engage in hydroponic planting under teacher guidance.)
Creating a Nature-Centric Learning Environment
Additionally, some science courses cover topics like ecology and biodiversity, prompting the school to coordinate outdoor learning activities aligned with the curriculum. Teacher Leung Tsz-hang shared that students have visited Fa Hui Park to study and recognize various plants while exploring their natural environment, applying what they learned in class about plants.
The theme of learning through nature also connects to various activities. The school hosts "Holistic Learning Days," taking junior high students out for birdwatching, providing them opportunities to appreciate nature. Teacher Liu Chi-wah mentioned that activities often include inviting ecological experts to explain how to identify bird species and understand their behavior, followed by student group observation. Students in the third year even engage in field data studies. The purpose of these learning days is not only to immerse students in nature but also to teach them to cherish natural resources and understand the importance of protecting nature and maintaining ecological balance.
(Students leave the classroom to participate in birdwatching and conduct group studies on-site.)
Schoolwide Commitment to Nature Education
Nature education offers endless possibilities. How can the school explore its various facets and integrate them into the curriculum? Kowloon Sam Yuk Secondary School, themed around "Nature," provides a variety of activities aimed at encouraging students and teachers to "connect with nature." In addition to the gardening activities mentioned, the school has initiatives like the "Pet Lizard Program," where they care for bearded dragons, and an "Aquarium Landscaping" club, increasing students' opportunities to engage with natural ecosystems on campus. A unique experience is the "Eco Night Walk," led by the principal, exploring places like Lion Rock and Tai Po, where students and parents, accompanied by ecological guides, observe the nocturnal lives of small animals. Principal Leung hopes students will understand how humans and nature coexist in urban settings through these experiences.
(Students take on caretaking roles, looking after the school's "little members.")
Using nature as a teaching medium diversifies education and makes learning more enjoyable. To learn more about educational issues and the latest trends, register for the upcoming annual event in the education sector—"Learning & Teaching Expo 2023." Registration is now open for individuals and groups interested in attending, with free admission tickets available.