April 22, 2024 is the 55th World Earth Day, and the theme of this year's Earth Day is "Planet vs. Plastics". In order to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, publicize Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, guide the whole society to establish the concept of ecological civilization of "respecting nature, conforming to nature, and protecting nature", promote the construction of beautiful Qianshan, and jointly build an earth home where man and nature coexist in harmony, Tianzhushan Global Geopark, Anqing Qianshan Ecological Environment Branch and Qianshan Pailou Central Primary School jointly carried out the 55th "World Earth Day" and the 5th Asia-Pacific Geopark Week Science Popularization Campaign. In the form of museum-school cooperation and joint construction and common benefit, Tianzhushan Geopark will give full play to the social education function of the museum and jointly build a "second classroom" for popular science education.
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On April 17,
ahead of the 56th World Earth Day, Tianzhushan UNESCO Global Geopark in
collaboration with Tianzhushan Central Primary School organized a science
popularization event titled "Cherish the Earth, Harmonious Coexistence between
Humans and Nature." Nearly 100 teachers and students embarked on an
immersive journey through billions of years of Earth’s history, exploring
ancient fossils and deepening their understanding of ecological conservation.
Science Classroom: Decoding Earth’s
Evolutionary Secrets
Associate
Professor He Qing, a paleontologist from Anhui University, led the session "Earth’s
Composition and Biological Evolution." Using 3D animations,
geological models, and rare fossil specimens, she vividly unraveled the
planet’s "rock code." Students marveled at the stories hidden beneath
their feet—from the mineral composition of the crust to the grandeur of the
dinosaur era and the traces of Cambrian marine life. Dinosaur footprints and
trilobites emerged in captivating visuals, sparking awe. "The ground
beneath us is like a book filled with ancient tales!" exclaimed one
student.
Interactive Practice: Touching the
Texture of Time
To bring
abstract knowledge to life, fossil exploration allowed students to observe fish
fossils up close, touch the spiral structures of ammonites, and identify
mineral crystal formations. Professor He guided them in deciphering the secrets
of evolution through fossil details. Eager questions like "How did
dinosaurs go extinct?" and "How were the dinosaur egg fossils in the museum
discovered?" were met with patient explanations. Participants received
commemorative gifts from the geopark, encouraging their passion for scientific
inquiry.
Far-reaching Impact: Sowing Seeds of
Ecological Protection
After the lecture, students reflected on its significance: "Protecting fossils isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s about safeguarding hope for future life." Teachers noted that hands-on interactions with fossils planted seeds of ecological awareness in young minds. Moving forward, Tianzhushan UNESCO Global Geopark plans to innovate its science outreach programs, strengthen school partnerships, and inspire more youth to become guardians of natural heritage and champions of sustainable coexistence.
