It is the first time for OPCFHK to include “STEAM” elements in the Juvenile Horseshoe Crab School Rearing Programme 2020-2021. The purpose of using “STEAM” as a theme is to provide students with more diversified learning opportunities through STEAM activities and training. Through learning STEAM elements and making hands-on STEAM tools, students were inspired to design their horseshoe crab conservation education and promotion projects. The participated schools were required to complete one of the activities to promote the conservation of horseshoe crabs and raise public awareness on the importance of horseshoe crabs conservation. Activities include: (1) conduct experiments to improve horseshoe crab populations; (2) invent technology to improve the growth of horseshoe crabs; (3) create devices to enhance horseshoe crab habitat; (4) produce artworks to promote history of horseshoe crab and (5) produce multimedia to enhance public awareness of horseshoe crabs. 21 participated schools had successfully completed STEAM education and promotion projects, and showcased their works to more than 6,000 students and the members of public.
Experiment on improving horseshoe crab population
School name: Christian Alliance SW Chan Memorial College
Project name: Auto-feeding machine for horseshoe crab 2.0
Project objective: To improve the existing auto-feed machine by adding new functions such as measuring and adjusting the pH value, salinity automatically. It was aimed to simplify the steps of feeding horseshoe crabs.
Artwork to promote history of horseshoe crab
School name: Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School
Project name: Conservation of horseshoe crab
Project objective: Student ambassadors from Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School produced an art piece of horseshoe crab and its habitat by using the recycled newspapers and acrylic. It was aimed to show the history of horseshoe crab and arouse schoolmates’ interest. During the exhibition, student ambassadors explained the impact of pollution on horseshoe crab and why its number was decreasing. The Ambassadors encouraged their schoolmates and teachers to get involved in the conservational work of horseshoe crab.
Hong Kong Island Flag Day
OPCFHK Hong Kong Island Flag Day successfully concluded. Under the theme “ Cherish the Hidden Treasures”, over 2500 volunteers sold flag stickers featuring local biodiversity with 6 endangered species, Golden Birdwing, Green Turtle, Corals, Horseshoe Crab, Beale's Eyed Turtle and Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoise. OPCFHK aims to raise public awareness on the vast local biodiversity and understand the importance of protecting endangered species and ecosystem. Over HK$900,000 was raised from the Flag Day event which will be used to support local cetacean stranding cases, community & public education and local conservation research projects.
Apart from flag selling on the street on August 21, 2021, OPCFHK also launched Gold Flag Purchase of limited edition gifts. Our special thanks convey to Fundraising Committee Member, Mr Peter Wong who donated the panda face mask holders and SKYPRO which sponsored the tailor-made masks.