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Sowing Seeds of Conservation: Marvellous Mangroves in China

Location: Gaoqiao, Guangdong Province, China

Date: April/May 2012

Goal: To equip primary school teachers to effectively deliver the Chinese Marvellous Mangroves curriculum through hands-on training and practical classroom tools

Partners

SeaWorld & Busch Garden's Conservation Fund

WWF

Disney Friends for Change

TFS

Singing Fields Foundation

Beijing’s Greening the Beige Foundation

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Nationally tailored Marvellous Mangroves curriculum completed and launched in Mandarin

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36 teachers from 11 schools participated in a three-day ‘train the trainer’ workshop

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Teachers received full classroom kits, including 40 magnifying lenses each

What we did

With China’s rapid development placing increasing pressure on the environment, there is a growing need to foster environmental awareness through formal education. To support this goal, Mangrove Action Project worked with the Zhanjiang Mangrove National Nature Reserve (ZMNNR), teachers from Jin Sha Wan School, and the Chinese Mangrove Conservation Network (CMCN) to adapt the Marvellous Mangroves curriculum for Chinese schools. Drawing on materials from other national adaptations, the Chinese version was designed to reflect both national character and regional differences, particularly in the country’s southern tropical and subtropical areas. Following a series of mini-workshops, classroom trials, expert reviews, and translation into Mandarin, the curriculum was finalised and published in Spring 2012.

 

To introduce the newly developed curriculum, MAP and ZMNNR hosted a three-day “train the trainer” workshop in the mangroves of Gaoqiao, Guangdong Province, for 36 teachers from 11 local schools. Led by MAP’s Educational Director and experienced local educators, the workshop introduced participants to the newly published 300-page “Marvellous Mangroves” curriculum and teachers’ guide. Teachers explored how to deliver interactive lessons such as the Water Cycle Rap, Detritus Tag (a bioaccumulation activity), and Migration Headache. They were also shown how to build simple dip nets using basic materials and how to guide students in using hand lenses. Each teacher received a full set of classroom resources, including 40 magnifying lenses to support hands-on learning. The workshop concluded with a field trip to the mangroves, giving participants the opportunity to apply their new knowledge in a real-world setting. Just a month later, teachers were already bringing the curriculum to life with their Grade 4 students during a dedicated “Marvellous Mangroves” day.

 

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch with us at cassie@mangroveactionproject.org

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