On 27 April 2024, Hong Kong Ocean Park Conservation Alliance invited over 50 students and teachers from 6 member schools. With accordance to the mission of Conservation Alliance, the workshop aimed at introducing the City Nature Challenge 2024 to local schools. Through outdoor inspection at Ocean Park, the workshop allowed participants to learn the use of iNaturalist and skills in exploring the ecological nature, achieving our goal of encouraging self-learning and promoting citizen science.
Interesting close-up observation
Education ambassadors collected dried leaves in the park and invited teachers and students to gently brush off the organisms on the leaves. Each participant received a magnifying glass as souvenir, enabling them to observe smaller organisms and gain a deeper understanding of the ecology of microorganisms in nature. The education ambassadors also used microscopes to observe the body structures of organisms with students to understand the survival skills of different animals.
Real-life observation on Eco Trail
Ocean Park Eco Trail is a trail connecting the city to greenery nature, planted with a variety of flora and serves as a home for a number of insects. Participants had a walk on the trail under guidance to learn more about the ecology and biodiversity in Hong Kong. Throughout the activity, participants observed and took pictures of insects, plants and butterflies, and uploaded photos to iNaturalist for record and species identification. Eventually, participants gained deeper insights in local common species, and equipped themselves with skills in conducting ecological surveys using iNaturalist.
Citizen Science Integrated into Daily Life
Through participation in ecological survey workshops and learning to use the iNaturalist app, it is hoped that students can maintain an interest in the natural environment around them in their daily lives. Through observation and recording, not only can students learn about biodiversity, but also cultivate a sense of care and awareness for the natural environment.