Enriching young minds through marine biology
SANParks took part in supplementing the biological knowledge of the future leaders, conservationists, scientists and innovationists.
SANParks hosted a fun mini-workshop on crustaceans to a home schooled group of learners, The Explorers Club, based in Knysna on the 26th of October 2023. This group consisted of pupils aged 4 to 12 years. The workshop was conducted at SANParks’ office on Thesens Island. The programme was divided into 3 parts: 1) a lesson on crustaceans, 2) a worksheet activity, and 3) a practical exercise.
The first part of the lesson was led by one of the Rondevlei Scientific Services interns, Ntando Majola. A 20 minute lesson was presented which concentrated on the background, external features, taxonomy, reproduction, and life cycle of crustaceans with focus on the mostly known crustaceans, crabs, lobsters, shrimps and prawns. The second part was a 40 minute worksheet activity with fun-related questions about things the kids have learnt. The kids were assisted by their parents, Rondevlei interns and Dr Cloverley Lawrence in answering the questions. This activity showed the potential and brightness of these young explorers.
The last practical part of the workshop took place at the Leisure Island Cove. During this field activity, the kids and parents gently collected crab and shrimp species with care using their hands and some individuals used nets. This exercise was the most fun part of the workshop for both the kids and parents because they were able to practically identify all the features of crustaceans that were part of the lesson. After this exercise, the animals were carefully placed back in the water. This was truly a crabilicious day for The Explorers Club and SANParks interns.
