When classrooms are moved into a natural history museum and textbook knowledge is taught through immersive experiences, what kind of scientific sparks will be ignited? Recently, the Shanghai Jing'an Association for Science and Technology partnered with the Shanghai Natural History Museum (a branch of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum) to organize a series of scientific study activities for nearly 100 students from five primary and secondary schools in the district—including Shanghai Jing'an Zhabei No. 1 Central Primary School, Shanghai Tianjiabing High School, Shanghai Jing'an Shixi Primary School, Shanghai Chen Heqin Primary School, and Shanghai Zhabei No. 3 Central Primary School—allowing students to embark on a scientific adventure on nature.

This event adopted a tripartite collaboration model where the Shanghai Jing'an Association for Science and Technology took the lead, the Education Bureau of Jing'an District cooperated with it, and a science popularization base provided support.  Specifically, the Shanghai Jing'an Association for Science and Technology identified students' science education needs and designed the study themes, the Education Bureau of Jing'an District coordinated with schools to organize student participation, and the Shanghai Natural History Museum provided tour guidance by professional docents, as well as customized interactive classes in its Discovery Center[01].

In the Shanghai Natural History Museum, following the docent, students participated in multiple immersive experiences. They observed biological specimens and ancient biological imprints up close, as if traveling back hundreds of millions of years to witness the magnificent life evolution on Earth; the interactive courses at the Discovery Center truly let them indulge their "inner scientists".

In the "Dinosaur Skin Hypothesis" class, students transformed into "young scientists", using analogical reasoning to deduce the relationship between dinosaur skin color and their environment, while also sketching textures, which deepened their understanding of these prehistoric creatures.

In the "Mystery of Migratory Birds" session, students watched awe-inspiring footage of bird migrations, eagerly discussing flight routes and conservation significance before realizing each migratory bird's journey holds profound secrets.

In the "Diatom Microcosm" session, students discovered these tiny organisms wear "glass armor" and were amazed by their intricate structures while crafting their models.

In the "Secrets of Butterfly Wings" and "Survival Strategies of Luminous Creatures" sessions, students deciphered the unique structures of butterfly wings and how luminous creatures survive in nature through experiments and role-playing.

This event was far more than just an entertaining experience—it served as a meaningful lesson in natural science education. Students explored multidisciplinary knowledge spanning paleontology and zoology while honing hands-on skills and a spirit of scientific inquiry. Many described it as an "unforgettable scientific journey" that revealed nature's true wonder and grandeur. By learning about species evolution and the arduous migrations of birds, students developed a deeper awareness of biodiversity and ecological environment conservation.

It is reported that the Shanghai Jing'an Association for Science and Technology will continue to deepen its partnership with the Shanghai Natural History Museum to bring more exciting science education activities to local youth and sustain their enthusiasm for exploring scientific mysteries.

[01]探索中心自译