Class Beyond the Classroom
Dates: October 8 – 10, 2022
Written by: Yeo, Jayoung (Jane)
From October 8 to 10, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) students went on a trip to Putian, organized by Peninsula Outdoor Education, an institution that provides outdoor learning experiences for students. Activities undertaken are associated with various subjects such as physics, biology, chemistry, geography, sports, exercise, and health science (SEHS); therefore, various activities were planned and prepared beforehand, so the students can fulfill the learning outcomes from outdoor and service-learning experiences. These activities included surveys on invasive species, investigating terrestrial biodiversity, and agricultural activity, which were all done in groups, with the collaborative work of the MYP and DP students. This Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) trip was initially scheduled from April 1 to 3 as part of our school’s annual experiential and interdisciplinary learning fieldwork. However, the trip was postponed due to the sudden Covid-19 outbreak in Fujian.
During the three days of CAS trip, students were able to gain different skills and experiences. On the first day, the students gathered in groups and explored the Mayuan Village, learning about the alien and invasive species. The guides of each group from Peninsula Outdoor Education discussed and explained the characteristics, causes, influences, and examples of the invasive species in the Wangyou Valley Campsite. Next, they helped the students to collect specimens of invasive species found along the village roads. Then, students made a poster of the samples, recording what invasive species are around. The discussion about the invasive species continued the next day, with a debate on whether people should exterminate the invasive species or not. Following this passionate discussion, students tried making a small ecosystem suitable for pill worms to live, then went on trekking in the Wangyou Valley Hiking Trail to observe the different insects and were able to see and observe various species of butterflies and other insects such as grasshoppers. Furthermore, before the last dinner in Putian, students also tried making necklaces out of natural materials.
After the first two days, equipped with knowledge about native, alien, and invasive species, the last day of the CAS trip approached. During the previous day in Putian, students toured the Houhuang Village, where traditional architecture and tools could be seen. In this village, students experienced how it is to live the native people’s daily life by digging sweet potatoes, making traditional rice cakes, and twisting straw ropes, which are parts of the custom of Putian. Finally, the sound of traditional Chinese opera music marked the end of the trip.
Three days in Putian were beneficial, worthy and enjoyable with students fulfilling the learning outcomes to be achieved, accomplishing their tasks and experiencing something meaningful beyond the classroom. It was indeed a precious time that has created a bond among the students and others in the community.
MXIS Social Media Crew 