AQUATIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CAMP

TENTATIVE DURATION: MAY 2023 TO JUNE 2023 / JULY 2023 TO AUGUST 2023

INTRODUCTION

There has arguably never been a more important time to ensure environmental literacy and interest in STEM-related careers. Students Explore Aquatic Sciences Camp is a fun and exciting activity that fosters stewardship and long-term connection to clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities and communities, climate action, and life below water, through hands-on activities, experiences, and strong role models that will inspire the next generation of scientists, policymakers and conservationists.

The activities of this camp are offered to campers of all ages who are interested in the aquatic sciences but may not have had previous opportunities to study it. It fosters both an appreciation for and understanding of local marine environments, and the latest technologies involved in marine science and conservation.

Each day’s activities focus on the different principles of aquatic environmental science and technology which explain our impact on the aquatic environment and the aquatic environment’s impact on the rest of the world. Activities include laboratory and studio visits, hands-on activities, exploration of the marine and freshwater environments, and participating in a scientific study where campers explore the aquatic environment through the eyes of a scientist.

OBJECTIVE/AIM

an introduction to real-life scientific experiments, methods, and practices in marine science and technology;
interactions with researchers working in aquatic biology, engineering, artificial intelligence, gamification, 3D technologies, robotics; and
appreciation for and understanding of their local aquatic environments and actively support UN SDG 4 – Quality Education, 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, 13 – Climate Action, 14 – Life Below Water, and 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.

TENTATIVE PROGRAMME

Drone technology in aerial aquatic life monitoring
- The science
  - Expert sharing on microplastics
- The technology
  - SEM laboratory visit for demonstration of microplastic detection in water sample

Detecting microplastics in aquatic environments
- The science
  - Expert sharing on microplastics
- The technology
  - SEM laboratory visit for demonstration of microplastic detection in water samples

Waste to wealth: Using food and construction waste to create a habitat for aquatic life
- The science
  - Expert sharing on eco-engineering
- The technology
  - Laboratory visit to observe how waste is converted to habitat panels
  - Studio visit for demonstration of 3D printing technology in constructing habitat panels

Robotics and cloud computing in aquatic environment monitoring
- The science
  - Expert sharing on robotics and cloud computing
- The technology
  - Demonstration of autonomous catamaran in monitoring water quality in aquatic environments
  - An introductory workshop to cloud computing

Gamification of aquatic science
- The science
  - Expert sharing on game design
- Gameplay
  - Online applications – DIY Escape Room with STEM
  - Card game – Reef Stakes

RELATED SDG AND PENANG 2030 VISION:

EXPECTED OUTPUT/OUTCOMES

After completing this camp, a minimum target of 20 primary/secondary school student participants should be able to:

After completing this camp, participants should be able to:

Understand the role of highlighted technologies in advancing aquatic science,
Explain the technicalities involved in drone operation in an aerial survey of aquatic environments,
Understand and explain the role and operations of SEM and FTIR in analysing microplastics,
Create simple 3D designs that add value to aquatic engineered structures,
Apply cloud computing to aquatic data collection and analyses,
Identify upcycling pathways that can help in aquatic ecosystems restoration, and
Continue awareness creation in aquatic environment conservation among the youth and public through gamification technologies.