24 September 2022 – The Student Explore Aquatic Sciences (SEAS) Camp 2022 was successfully carried in conjunction with World Environment Day. The camp was led by Dr. Chee Su Yin and assisted by the staff, postgraduates, research assistants, and interns from the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, USM. A total of 28 secondary school students age between 13-17 years old and a schoolteacher were in attendance. The activities were run in several locations within USM namely, The Bricks, School of the Arts, and Centre for Global Archaeology Research.
A total of four activities were run on that day. The first activity was facilitated by Associate Professor Dr. Lee Hooi Ling and her students from the School of Chemistry. Students learned how to test the pH of water samples collected from Tasik Harapan, USM. They also learned how determined unknown chemicals from water samples.
The second activity was coordinated by En. Mohd Alif Ikrami and students at the School of the Arts. Here, students learned how 3D technology and design can be applied in marine conservation. A 3D machine ran real-time to illustrate printing and products from the printing were also on display.
The third activity was carried out at the Centre for Global Archaeology Research. Here, Dr. Norlaila Zanuri explained how microplastics were still existent even if they were invisible to the naked eye and how detrimental this was to all forms of life. State-of-the-art equipment like Scanning Electron Microscope and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to detect and identify microplastics in water samples. This activity was assisted by the staff of CGAR.
The final activity was run by Mr. Quek Yew Aun of Reef Stakes and Dr. Suzanna Bono from School of Social Sciences. The Reef Stakes card game was used as a tool in this activity to educate and create awareness amongst students about marine conservation and ecosystems protection through mindful games. The students found this activity very engaging and enjoyed learning through play and interacting with other students of their age.
At the end of the day, Executive Manager of Water Watch Penang, Dr. Hong Chern Wern, thanked the participants for their support and participation and handed out the certificates of participation and certificates of contribution to the participants and facilitators, respectively.
This camp is funded by PBAPP, coordinated by WWP in partnership with Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Universiti Sains Malaysia.
For more information you may contact programme coordinator, Dr. Chee Su Yin, Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia at suyinchee@usm.my or Dr Hong Chern Wern, Executive Manager of Water Watch Penang at hong.wwp@gmail.com
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