Little Planet, Big Ocean 2017: inspiring secondary school students on marine life and conservation – S.E.A. Aquarium, Dolphin Island blog
Every year, students and lecturers from Republic Polytechnic’s DMAC (Diploma in Marine Science & Aquaculture) will come together to organise Little Planet, Big Ocean – a specially curated event where secondary school students learn about marine life and conservation.
This year, the event was held at S.E.A. Aquarium on 25 October 2017 and saw eight schools and about 80 students taking part. At 9.30am, the event kicked off with a 1.5 hour treasure hunt where the students had to complete five pit stops within the aquarium.
Shark Seas Habitat was one of the pit stops. The students learnt to differentiate male and female sharks based on physical traits.At this pit stop, students gained a better understanding of sustainable fishing and sustainable seafood.Searching for answers on the digital touch screens at the Open Ocean Gallery.
After lunch, industry experts shared the latest findings with the students through a series of thought-provoking presentations.
Jasmin Lim, lecturer at Republic Polytechnic School of Applied Science spoke on the worrying state of the ocean today.Joey Goh, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Marine Stewardship Council, emphasized the importance of sustainable seafood. She also took the opportunity to test the students on their knowledge of sustainable fishing.Associate Professor Jennifer Cobcroft from James Cook University Singapore talked about how innovative aquaculture is critical for sustainable seafood production.Quiz time
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for: winners of the treasure hunt.
From left: 1st – Bukit Batok Secondary School, 2nd – Jurong Secondary School, 3rd – Woodlands Secondary School
And here’s everyone who made it a fun and fulfilling day.
