This year’s National Science Week was a blend of adventure, discovery, and learning, capturing the imaginations of our high school students with an innovative kickoff: an in-class Escape Room challenge! Designed to be both thrilling and educational, groups of students worked together to unravel eight complex codes, all to “escape” the confines of their science classroom. This exciting start was a sign of the engaging activities planned around this year’s poignant theme: **Species Survival**.
Throughout the week, our students embarked on a diverse set of activities, each crafted to deepen their understanding of different species and the pressing need for conservation efforts. One of the standout experiences involved analyzing the DNA of an extinct animal, challenging students to piece together missing genetic codes – a hands-on insight into the power and importance of genetic science in understanding biodiversity.
Adding an intriguing twist, students put their noses to the test in an activity inspired by the Wildlife Detection Dog Squad, attempting to identify various unknown substances. This exercise not only provided a fun challenge but also highlighted the innovative methods used in conservation efforts.
The adventure continued with tracking the movements of giraffes and dolphins, bringing to life the significance of migration patterns and habitat use in the conservation of these majestic creatures. Further, the students delved into the critical role of water quality in ecosystem health by testing water acidity levels and its impact on coral reefs, emphasising the interconnectedness of life under the water.
Undoubtedly, one of the most engaging sessions was the “turtle egg” excavation, where students learned about the effects of nest temperature on determining if baby turtles would be male or female. This hands-on activity provided a vivid lesson on the delicate balance required for species survival, highlighting the impact of environmental changes on gender ratios and species continuation.
National Science Week at our school was more than just fun; it was a profound learning experience that left our students with a deeper appreciation for the natural world and an enhanced understanding of the importance of conservation efforts. Through these interactive and educational activities, our students have gained invaluable insights into the myriad ways we can contribute to the survival of various species and the protection of their environments.
We are already looking forward to next year’s National Science Week, confident it will continue to inspire both our students and our community towards meaningful action for our planet’s diverse inhabitants.
