Shanghai kids study "bird culture" ( 2003-12-02 15:18) (eastday.com)
Yan Xiaofan is no different
from most other primary school students in the city except that she can
recognize various species of birds with the eye of an expert.
"This is a swallow, and that is an egret," said the 11-year-old girl from
Chenjia Town Primary School on Chongming Island while pointing at pictures of
the different birds in her text book.
The book, designed by teachers at the school, has helped all of the school's
students pick up at least a rudimentary knowledge of birds.
With urban residents getting fewer chances to see birds as the city turns
into a concrete jungle, students at the school say they are lucky to get a
chance to learn about their feathered friends.
Located close to the Dongtan Wetlands on Chongming Island, which is home to
various migratory birds, the school has developed a tradition of teaching "bird
culture."
"Starting from 1998, we have so far held five 'bird culture' festivals," said
school principal Shi Tianfei. "The yearly festival has aroused students'
interest in birds and helped them become aware of the importance of
environmental protection."
During the monthlong festival, which is usually held from October to
November, students are given a stage to show what they have learned about birds
in the past year. For example, the school has opened an exhibition room
exclusively for student-made exhibits related to birds, such as bird-shaped arts
and crafts made out of leaves, shells and coke bottles as well as paintings and
paper-cuts of birds.
From time to time, the school also organizes tours to the Dongtan Wetlands
and visits to people who raise birds in the town.
"Recently we are doing research on the domestication of ferocious birds such
as eagles," said Xin Huadong, a fifth grader.
"The teacher took us to the home of a bird tamer, and we asked him many
questions. His answers led us to the results in our final paper work."
To date, students have written papers on various bird-related topics, such as
"why birds can fly," "the mystery of birds' feathers," "birds and poems" and
"the relationship between birds and trees."
The students have also won acclaim for their trips to local markets, where
they try to persuade people not to buy birds caught and killed by illegal
hunters.
"Nowadays the number of birds on Chongming Island has noticeably decreased.
Some of them are even facing the gloomy destiny of extinction," said the
principal. "Through these activities, we hope to develop children's
consciousness of protecting birds as well as the environment, to let them know
that birds are our good friends."
