Dubai’s Jebel Ali School (JAS) students recently participated in a week-long event called the ‘bioblitz battle’, where they gathered over 3,600 local wildlife records. This event aimed to encourage students to engage with the natural world and increase their passion for conservation. Children from all year groups, along with their families and staff, participated in this fun outdoor activity, searching for and photographing insects and birds in various locations such as Al Qudra Lakes.
The bioblitz battle is a collaborative citizen science initiative where participants strive to identify and record as many different species of living organisms as possible within a specific timeframe and location. During the event, a rare Patagonian Mara, a large rodent, was spotted near Al Qudra Lakes, surprising students and parents alike. This unique opportunity allowed families to connect with the natural world and appreciate the diverse ecosystem present around them.
The school’s Sustainability Lead and STEAM Teacher, Alan Smith, emphasized the importance of providing opportunities like bioblitzes to instill a love for the natural world in students. A custom-built web app was developed to enhance these events, introducing a competitive element with points awarded based on the rarity of species being identified. This initiative aims to make learning about wildlife fun and engaging for both students and parents.
The success of the bioblitz battle has led the school to engage in inter-school competitions, such as the one with Safa Community School, resulting in over 2,700 additional wildlife observations. By encouraging families to step outdoors and explore nature, the school hopes to promote a ‘Nature Wave’ of connecting people to the environment. This initiative not only benefits students’ education but also contributes valuable data to global scientific research and conservation efforts.
Looking ahead, JAS is planning to host a ‘Nature Connection for Sustainability and Wellbeing Conference’ in January to further promote the importance of connecting with nature for sustainability. This conference aims to inspire other schools to engage in similar citizen science activities and foster a deeper appreciation for the environment. The school’s commitment to conservation and environmental education highlights the impact that hands-on learning experiences can have on students and their families.
