Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary School's "Sustainable Pearl Education": A Scientific Exploration from Shing Mun Reservoir to the Campus Micro-Ecosystem

In recent years, sustainable development (ESG) and environmental conservation have become core global concerns. Under the Pearl Professor initiative, we are committed to combining traditional pearl farming with modern science education. Recently, Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary School completed a "Sustainable Pearl Education" project focused on scientific inquiry. This was not only an attempt to bring nature into the school, but also a wonderful journey that stimulated students' curiosity, innovation, and environmental awareness.

A Micro-Ecological Wonder on Campus: The Story of Five Water Tanks

To allow students to experience the operation of an ecosystem firsthand, we assisted the school in setting up a total of five water tanks (one large water tank and four small water tanks).

In a large aquarium, we cultivated larger freshwater pearl mussels. The students used their creativity to paint and decorate the shells, and named them one by one. Every day, the students conducted water quality tests and closely monitored the aquarium's environment. Interestingly, over time, other creatures in the aquarium (such as small fish) began to "help" clean the shells, gradually "eating" the students' artwork! Despite this, the pearl mussels remain very healthy to this day.

The students thoroughly enjoyed observing the opening and closing of pearl oysters, watching fish swim in the water, cleaning the substrate and glass. This vividly demonstrated how a micro-ecosystem operates to sustain life while simultaneously nurturing beautiful pearls.

The starting point of scientific inquiry: water quality testing at Shing Mun Reservoir

The four small water tanks were tasked with an important scientific research mission. The students hypothesized that freshwater pearl mussels could improve the water quality of Shing Mun Reservoir. We spent several months preparing for this experiment and applying for the necessary permits.

I shared a vision with my students: could we help maintain aquatic environmental quality by cultivating freshwater pearl mussels in Hong Kong's reservoirs? This idea was heavily inspired by New York's Billion Oyster Project. While it might be a bit too early for secondary school students to fully grasp this grand vision that could impact the entire city, we believe the seed of conservation has already been planted in their hearts. All the conservation work we do in the ocean can be replicated in freshwater environments.

Embark on a challenging and innovative water-fetching journey into nature.

To obtain authentic experimental samples, we led the students to Shing Mun Reservoir for a field study. Although the journey was not long, the undulating mountain path was enough to leave the students, carrying empty water bottles, breathless.

Under the guidance of their instructors, the students tried various methods to collect lake water without falling into the pond. Minor mishaps, such as getting their shoes wet or damaging equipment, were inevitable, but these challenges became opportunities for innovation. For example, one bucket accidentally fell and made a hole, but we quickly discovered that the hole was perfectly positioned, greatly improving the efficiency of transferring water to the bottles! The students also worked together to make subtle adjustments to the water collection device to ensure it was set up perfectly.

This outdoor activity not only allowed students to learn about Hong Kong's water infrastructure and reservoir ecosystems, but also made each of them carry at least four liters of water from Shing Mun Reservoir back to their vehicle on the way back.

Conclusion: Comprehensive learning combining theory and practice

This scientific exploration program goes far beyond learning how to test water quality. It successfully combines physical activity, innovative thinking, stimulating curiosity, and reconnecting with nature.

Next, the students will need to integrate their knowledge and write a complete scientific report to verify the hypothesis that freshwater pearl oysters improve water quality. We sincerely hope that, just as the "Billion Oysters Project" has had an impact, this "Sustainable Pearl Education" at Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary School will become the starting point for achieving great environmental causes in the future.