Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE Students Study Effects of Climate on Biodiversity in Hong Kong
Thirty students and teachers from GLOBE schools in Delhi, India, visited the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden in Hong Kong as well as the Hong Kong Wetlands Park as part of a Biodiversity Learning Expedition organized by the Regional Help Desk Office for GLOBE in Asia and the Pacific. The expedition, sponsored by the Indian Environmental Society (IES), actively involved students in GLOBE projects and activities covering Biodiversity Conservation.
The main objective of the Biodiversity Learning Expedition, developed by the GLOBE Asia and the Pacific Regional Help Desk Office, is to promote student research on climate and its impact on various components of the ecosystem. According to Dr. Desh Bandhu, GLOBE Master Trainer for Atmosphere Investigation protocols and Director of the GLOBE Program Asia-Pacific Regional Help Desk Office, "Biodiversity refers to various forms of life, including plants and animals; Learning requires that students acquire knowledge in specific areas; and an Expedition infers that a journey occurs. Therefore, we coined the term Biodiversity Learning Expedition, which signifies A Journey to Gain Knowledge on Biodiversity."
During this expedition, GLOBE students were offered a platform to explore the nature and biodiversity found at Wetlands Park and Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, both bio-diverse hot spots in Hong Kong. Students from Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, and Bal Bharati Public School, Pitampura, recorded observations with the help and supervision of scientists from India and Hong Kong. The scientists and staff of IES included Dr. Desh Bandhu, IES President, Dr. M. H. Wong, Baptist University, Hong Kong, and scientists from Hong Kong Wetlands Park and Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden. Students observed and recorded the impact of pollution on plants and animals, the identification of local pollution indicators, the impact on ecosystem functions (producer, consumer, decomposer, etc.), and the relation of climate to the park and its biodiversity. Dr. Craig Blurton, former GLOBE Director now located in Hong Kong, was instrumental in providing assistance during the planning phase of the event.
As a result of the expedition, students became motivated to engage in research activities and gained knowledge of various forms of life and the impact of climate on these life forms. In addition, the visit provided a wonderful opportunity for the study of the wetlands, motivating students in the area of biodiversity conservation.
The enthusiasm of GLOBE students is the true driving force behind GLOBE Learning Expeditions. Thank you to the students, teachers, and GLOBE Asia-Pacific representatives for contributing to GLOBE research in your community and across the world!
Read about other recent activities in the GLOBE Asia-Pacific region.
24 January 2011