More than just a field trip, “The Green Journey” is an interdisciplinary learning program that integrates knowledge from Natural Sciences, Geography, Civic Education, and Literature, with the primary goal of equipping students with essential 21st-century skills.
Discovering nature, expanding knowledge Recently, Grade 8 students of Nguyen Seiu Secondary and High School had a memorable experience through a field trip called “The Green Journey.”
The three-day trip (from 16 to 19 September 2025) to Me Linh Biodiversity Station, a well-known conservation centre in Vinh Phuc, opened the door to a fascinating natural world.
More than just an ordinary excursion, “The Green Journey” was an interdisciplinary learning programme that integrated knowledge from Natural Science, Geography, Civics, and Literature. Its main goal was to equip students with essential 21st-century skills, including self-directed learning, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and communication.
Developing observation and data collection skills
Specifically, in terms of self-directed learning, “The Green Journey” helped students identify their learning goals, make plans, and carry them out during the experience, while also developing their own ways of remembering and learning.
Problem-solving and creativity served as the foundation for independent thinking, listening, careful consideration, and making thoughtful choices while participating in activities.
Aesthetic competence combined with communication skills enabled students to design theme-based final products that were both visually appealing and scientifically structured; to present their work persuasively in front of an audience; to communicate with confidence, express their feelings, and listen to feedback in order to improve themselves.
Directly observing and studying endemic turtle species
In terms of subject-specific competencies, “The Green Journey” helped students develop the ability to identify, observe, and classify groups of animals and plants, as well as understand the significance of biodiversity. Through this, they gained a clearer awareness of the importance of environmental protection and were encouraged to adjust their daily behaviours and habits in order to contribute to preserving biodiversity.
In addition, through these real-life experiences, each student could turn the journey into a piece of writing or a journal entry recounting the trip, while also taking part in discussions, sharing ideas, and preserving their memories and feelings about the people and life there.
All of this helps students develop themselves more fully, strengthen their sense of responsibility in protecting rare species of plants and animals, build concern for social issues, and learn how to deal with complex problems.
Directly observing and studying endemic turtle species
A multisensory experience
Upon arriving at Mê Linh Station, the students were divided into small groups to explore different special areas together. There, they had the opportunity to observe firsthand and learn about rare animal species being cared for and conserved.
The groups took turns visiting the primate area, the turtle area, the orchid garden, and the specimen room to discover the stories of wild animals such as lizards, the five-coloured langur, and endemic turtle species.
The trip was also an opportunity for the students to become young scientists, collecting data by taking notes, photos, and videos to support their final projects later on. In particular, one of the most exciting activities was the forest trekking experience, where the students not only learned about the role of forests and water sources but were also equipped with basic jungle trekking skills.
After the trip, the students had one week to complete their final products, expressing the knowledge and emotions they had gained. Their work could take the form of a lively video, a scientific poster, or a meaningful magazine. This was not simply an ordinary assignment, but also an opportunity for them to: recount a journey that left them with deep thoughts and emotions; present the importance of biodiversity and the alarming threats facing it; share the story of a wild animal they had learned about at the station, and spread the message of nature conservation.
Listening to a presentation on biodiversity and the conservation of rare animal species
It is clear that Mê Linh Station serves as an important buffer zone for biodiversity conservation, and that forest restoration will help provide wildlife with safe green corridors in which to live. However, this requires the joint effort and awareness of the whole of society, especially students - the young generation and future of the nation.
The experiential trip to Me Linh Biodiversity Station not only provided Nguyen Sieu students with valuable knowledge about nature, the environment, and ecosystems, but also inspired in them a love for nature and a sense of responsibility to preserve and protect the living environment. It also stands as evidence of Nguyen Sieu School’s continuous efforts to diversify experiential learning activities, helping students acquire knowledge in a vivid and effective way, while nurturing a spirit of inquiry, a connection with nature, and a commitment to green and sustainable living in the future.