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Hongkou Campus|Young Explorers Discover the Magic of Greenhouse Garden:Spring Field Trip

April 7, 2025

On April 1st, students from Grades 1 and 2 of SHSID Hongkou Campus embarked on a spring field trip to Shanghai Expo Culture Park, basking in the gentle spring breeze. The excursion aimed to guide students in discovering the diverse wonders of the plant world through hands-on observation and interactive experiences, fostering environmental awareness while nurturing teamwork and joy.  


Pre-Trip Preparation: Learning Etiquette


To ensure a safe and orderly trip, homeroom teachers reviewed public etiquette, transportation manners, and picnic protocols with students beforehand, emphasizing the principles of "civilized behavior and environmental care." Through photos and videos, teachers introduced the park’s ecological landscapes, highlighting the three themed greenhouses. Fun exploration tasks were assigned to spark curiosity and prepare students for their scientific adventures.  



Greenhouse Exploration: Unveiling Botanical Wonders


Stepping into the greenhouse gardens, students were instantly captivated by the vibrant plant ecosystems. Three themed zones, designed around distinct habitats, transported them into a fantastical journey across ecosystems.  


In the Desert Oasis Zone, towering baobab trees stretched their ancient branches, while cactus clusters stood like silent guardians over sandy dunes. Rare species such as fire-resistant Encephalartos altensteinii (Eastern Cape giant cycad) and sacred olive trees left children in awe of nature’s grandeur.  





The Rainforest Canopy Zone greeted students with a roaring waterfall and air fragrant with bodhi trees and red mangroves. They tiptoed to observe iridescent angelfish in aquascape tanks, chased dancing light reflections in interactive zones, and marveled at fossilized footprints scattered across the ground, adding mystery to their rainforest quest.  


The final Misty Valley Zone resembled a fairy-tale realm. Sunlight filtered through the glass dome, casting golden hues on heliconias and bird-of-paradise flowers. Mist drifted over hanging gardens and shallow water platforms, where children dipped their toes, sending ripples through the enchanted scene.  


Guided by exploration worksheets, students transformed into young botanists—sketching cactus spines, tracing vine patterns, and decoding nature’s secrets with keen eyes.  





Picnic on the Lawn: Protecting Nature  


At noon, students gathered on the Twin Peaks Lawn, sharing snacks on picnic mats. Amid laughter, they actively sorted waste and tidied the area, leaving the grass pristine. “We must care for the environment that gives us beauty,” remarked one student while collecting trash.  







Fungus Fantasy Land: A Burst of Joy


The afternoon adventure at the mushroom-themed “Fungus Fantasy Land” ignited excitement. Spiral-stemmed slides, rope-net forests, and tunnel mazes challenged young explorers. They dug for “spore treasures” in sandpits, scaled rope towers, and cheered upon conquering obstacles. Teamwork and giggles turned the park into a vibrant playground.  







Post-Trip Reflections: Growth Through Experience


Back at school, students reflected on their day. One wrote, “I felt the magic of a tropical climate and met plants taller than humans, like the baobab tree!” Another shared, “I learned to protect the environment—after the picnic, I helped clean up!” Team spirit shone through notes like, “We built a giant sandcastle together—it felt amazing!” Acts of kindness also stood out: “A classmate felt unwell, so I carried his backpack. Helping others made me so happy!”  





Nature’s Gift to Young Hearts


This spring outing was a joyful voyage of discovery. At Shanghai Expo Culture Park, students explored wondrous greenhouses, bonded over picnics, and reveled in carefree play. Through it all, they not only expanded their knowledge but also cultivated friendship, responsibility, and a deeper connection to the natural world.  





Written by Nina Kang

Proofread by Judah Kuhn

Pictures by Elaine Zhu

Video by Rachel Wu

Reviewed by Dan Zhu, Chenli Shen, Cong Luo