Assembly Talk @ Chung Cheng High (28 May)

As part of the post-exam activities for Sec 1 students, Ms Koh Xiao Woon ( Clean and Green Committee teacher in Chung Cheng High) invited Earth Society to conduct a Global Warming Assembly talk for the students on 28 May.

This the 3rd year that Chung Cheng High invited Earth Society to the school.

Mr Low conducted the Assembly talk from 1.30 to 2.30pm. He presented on how global warming is affecting the planet and showcased various solutions that scientists recommended to curb climate change. He also showed short environmental video clips during the presentation.

The talk was very well-received by the teachers and students.

Teachers’ Feedback:

Thank you so much for coming down to give our students such a comprehensive talk on Climate Change. The presentation was very good for our students and it contains a lot of videos and pictures that helps them to learn and understand better. We appreciate it a lot and hope to continue to work with you again in the future.

- Ms Koh Xiao Woon, Teacher,

  Maths and Science Department, Clean and Green Committee

Eco-Conversation on Food Security @ SMU (24 May)

Nature Society, SMU Verts and Green Future Solutions jointly organized an Eco-conversation at SMU on 24 May from 9am till 1pm. The title of the event is “Conversations on Sustainable Singapore – Food Security”. The objective of the event is to gather the participants’ thoughts on Food Supply / Food waste, and to generate constructive and specific suggestions for the Sustainable Singapore Blue print review conducted by Ministry of Environment and Water resources. (MEWR)

Earth Society members signed up and participant in this meaningful conversation. The conversation consists of 2 presentations by invited speakers, small group discussions and a group presentation at the end of the event. 

About 40 participants attended the event. The event was graced with the presence of NMP Ms Faizal Jamal.

……..

During the event, Mr Melvin Chow (Director of Planning and Management Department in AVA) presented on the current food situation in Singapore.

We currently have 50 Vegetable farms, 3 Chicken egg farms and 127 fish farms in Singapore producing 12% of our vegetables, 26% of the eggs we eat and 8% of the fish we eat. The majority of the food we eat (about 90%) are imported from other countries.

Mr Chow informed that as our food supply depends heavily on imports, Singapore is vulnerable to global food situations such as spikes in food prices, reduction of food supplies due climate change etc. Singapore’s key strategy to ensure food security is to diversify our food sources. (eg. We import chicken from A/B/C countries. If a disruption occurs in A country, we can still import chicken from B and C countries.)

Mr Chow recommended that we as individuals can increase Food Security by reducing our food waste and buying local farm produce. 

Mr Chow’s presentation slides are available at :

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3733514/Conversations%20on%20Sustainable%20Singapore%20-%20Food%20Security%20(Melvin%20Chow).pdf

Mr Allan Lim, Urban farmer and founder of the Living! Project, was the 2^nd speaker in the event. He shared on Comcrop (Community Crop) rooftop farming in *SCAPE building in heart of Orchard Road. The rooftop farm is a 6000 square foot commercial farm that uses aquaponic system for farming.

In the aquaponic system, fishes in a fish tank produces wastes that provide nutrients for the vegetables that are grown in hydroponic vertical racks. The water from the vegetable hydroponic racks which have higher dissolved oxygen content are then channelled back to the fish tank for the fishes. This forms a self-sustaining close-loop system.

Every week, students from Victoria Junior College and Singapore Polytechnic, as well as the elderly from Tampines-Changkat Constituency, come together to tend to the vegetables at the rooftop farm.

The rooftop farm targets to grow up to 15,000 fresh vegetables each month!

More info on Comcrops rooftop farm can be found at their website:

https://www.facebook.com/ComCrop

…………

During the small group discussion/ presentation, Earth Society members suggested to educate our Singapore population on reducing meat consumption by half to reduce our reliance on meat imports and to improve Food Security in Singapore.

We also suggested that Health Promotion Board can extend the Health Promoting School Canteen program (a program that encourages students to eat a healthy diet consisting of ¾ fruits/ veggies/grains and ¼ meat) to the working adults.

Both suggestions were placed in their final report for Food Security conversation:

http://www.greenfuture.sg/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2014/06/Conversations-on-Sustainable-Singapore-Food-Security.pdf

The final report would be submitted to MEWR, NEA and AVA for their reference and consideration for action.

Assembly Talk @ Admiralty Secondary (28 Apr)

Ms Selvi, Environment Club teacher-in-charge of Admiralty Secondary, invited Earth Society to conduct an Assembly talk for the school cohort on 28 Apr.

On 28 Apr, Earth Society members reached Admiralty Secondary 12.15pm.  We conduct an Assembly talk on Global warming for the students from 12.30 to 1.30pm. Students listen attentively to the talk and participated in the Quiz at the end of the talk.

We set up a booth to pass Eco-friendly leaflets to the students from 1.30 to 2.30pm.

Feedback from Students: 

I have enjoyed the talk. After the talk, I have learnt that with everyone’s cooperation, we can help to reduce global warming. I have learnt to cut down on the consumption of beef and eat more veggies.   - Jeryl Koh, Sec 3, Admiralty student.

The talk brings awareness and gave me a whole-world experience of climate change. I have learnt that global warming causes a lot of problems. We are also adding to the problem with our way of life.    

– Wei Han, Sec 2, Admiralty student

The talk is very meaningful to me as I learn many ways to help the environment. I hope such sessions can be conducted more often to educate us on environmental issues.     

– Jia Jun, Admiralty student

Booth @ CHIJ St Nicholas Girls School (25 Apr)

As part of their Earth Day activities, Mr Kuah Ee Qiang from CHIJ St Nicholas Girl’s School (Secondary) invited Earth Society to set up a booth in the school on 25 Apr. St Nicholas Girl’s school is a school that houses a primary school and a secondary school.

On 25 Apr, Earth Society members reached St Nicholas Girl’s School at 9.15am.  We set up a booth to pass Eco-friendly leaflets to the students. We also set up a TV to show some environmental video clips to the students.

Mr Kuah has also invited Building and Construction Authority (BSA) to set up a booth on that day. The BSA booth offers free educational program on Green buildings for the secondary students.

Earth Society members manned the booth from 9.30 till 12.30. Primary and secondary school students visited our booth during their recess time. We noticed that the school has many beautiful wall paintings in the primary section and went to take a look during our free time. We left the school by 1pm.

Assembly Talk @ QiHua Primary (24 Apr)

Ms Ee Jia Ying from Qi Hua Primary invited Earth Society to conduct an Assembly talk in the school on 24 Apr. This is the 2^nd year that Qi Hua Primary invited us to the school.

On 24 Apr, Earth Society members arrived at Qi Hua Primary at 12.45 pm. We conducted an Assembly talk on Overfishing and Deforestation for the school cohort from 1.10 to 1.30pm.

After the talk, we set up a booth at the school canteen to pass more information to the students. We left the school by 2.20pm.

Assembly Talk @ Sembawang Primary (21 Apr)

Ms Tan Si Yi, HOD Science of Sembawang Primary, invited Earth Society to conduct an Assembly talk in the school on 21 Apr. This is the 3^rd year that Sembawang Primary invited us to the school.

On 21 Apr, Earth Society members arrived at Sembawang Primary at 9am.We set up booth at the school canteen from 9 to 10.30am to distribute leaflets on eco-friendly websites to the students. 

At 10.30am, we moved to the school hall to conduct an Assembly talk to the school cohort. We showed how Global warming is affecting the planet, spoke on the recent Dry spell in Singapore and presented ways to reduce climate change. The students listened attentively and participated in a Quiz at the end of the talk. 

After the talk, we left Sembawang Primary by 11.30am.

Assembly Talk @ Nan Chiau High (16 Apr)

Ms Leow SH, Green Club teacher-in-charge of Nan Chiau High, invited Earth Society to conduct an Assembly talk in the school on 16 Apr.

On 16 Apr, Earth Society members arrived at Nan Chiau High at 1.30pm. Ms Precia, a green club teacher, greeted us in the school. We conducted a talk for the Sec 1 to Sec 5 students from 1.45 to 2.30pm. 

After the talk, we set up a booth to gather feedback and pass more info to the students. Green Club students in Nan Chaiu High helped us to man the booth.  

The talk and booth were well-received by the teachers and students. 

Feedback from Students:  

The Global Warming Seminar is informative and interesting. There are many statistics to show the effects of climate change. The videos are interesting and provide an insight to global warming.          – Trixie Toh, NCH student.

It is a very interesting and informative talk. I never expect the sea to rise by a 23-storey building if all the ice in Antarctica melts!  The videos are very impactful. I am glad to be able to attend this talk.        – Foo Yong Li, NCH student.

I enjoyed the seminar. I am more aware of the world around us and how urgent it is to save the environment from disasters. I have learnt that many people have worked to help the environment. Now I can spread awareness to everyone around me. Hopefully, more people will help to save the environment soon. - NCH Green Club student

Assembly Talks @ CHIJ Toa Payoh Primary (16 Apr)

Mrs Alice Choo from CHIJ Toa Payoh Primary invited Earth Society to conduct 2 Assembly talks for the school cohort on 16 Apr.

On 16 Apr, Earth Society members arrived at Toa Payoh Primary on 11.15 am. We conducted a Global Warming Assembly talk for the P1 - P3 students from 11.30 to 12 pm. We conducted another talk for the P4 - P6 students from 12 to 12.30pm. Students participated actively in the quiz at the end of the talk.

After the talk, we left the school at 12.50pm.

Assembly Talk @ Guang Yang Primary (31 Mar)

Mr Faisal from Guang Yang Primary invited Earth Society to conduct an Assembly talk for the school cohort on 31 Mar.

On 31 Mar, Earth Society members arrived at Guang Yang Primary on 9.45am. We conducted a Global Warming Assembly talk for the P1 to P6 students from 10 to 10.30am. Students participated actively in the quiz at the end of the talk.

After the talk, we set up a booth at the school canteen from 10.30 to 11.30am to pass additional info to the students and teachers.

Students’ Feedback: 

The talk is very good. I learnt a lot of things that I never knew before. It is very important that everyone should know about Global Warming.                    - Natalie, P6, GYP

The videos and quiz are very fun. I learnt that the Earth is in danger.

– Zhu Zhen, P4, GYP.

The talk is very interesting. It teaches us that not many people are very fortunate in different countries.  – Fanly Pan, P4, GYP

The talk is very meaningful. After the talk, I understand that just by not eating meat for one day a week, I can make a big difference. And less people have to starve.                                
- Lim Jia Ci, P6, GYP

Assembly Talks @ Marsling Secondary (27 Mar/ 11 Apr)

Ms Koeh Yin Ying, Subject Head Aesthetics of Marsling Secondary, invited Earth Society to conduct a Global Warming Assembly talk to their Sec 1 and 2 students on 27 Mar from 7.45 till 8.30am.

The school teachers and students responded very well to the talk and Ms Koeh invited our team over to Marsling Secondary again on 11 Apr to conduct an Assembly talk to the Sec 3 and Sec 4 students.

On both occasions, Earth Society team set up a booth to distribute more information to the teachers / students after the Assembly talk.

Feedback from Teachers and Students: 

A very big THANK YOU for coming up north to our school for this very educational, powerful and wonderful presentation. I had checked with my colleagues, they had strongly agreed that the talk on Global Warming had benefitted the students tremendously. Much effort and passion had been put in for this presentation and we are deeply touched.                
- Ms Koeh Yin Ying, Subject Head Aesthetics, MSS

Great information for students to contextualize what they have learnt in classrooms. It also gives them a worldwide perspective on what is happening in their world.

- Mr Lai Kwok Liang, Teacher, MSS  

The talk is quite nice. I have learnt the importance of conserving Earth’s resources.

In the talk, I understand how global warming had affected the lives of others.

Therefore, the talk is useful in stating the information of Global warming.

– Yeong Le Shan, Sec 3, MSS

The seminar alert me to play my part by saving water, electricity and cutting down on meat to reduce the rate of global warming.  – Jolene Chng, Sec 3, MSS

I felt that it was a great seminar as it shows how severe climate change is. I hope more schools can hear from you.  
– Leow Wen An, Sec 4, MSS

NTU Green Fest (24 to 26 Mar)

Ms Maria Moper Nunez from Nanyang Technological University Earthlink Management Committee invited Earth Society to set up a booth during their NTU Green Fest event from 24 Mar to 26 Mar. NTU Earthlink president, Mr Ryan Jin, get to know about Earth Society during the Singapore Poly GR3 Fair held in Jan this year. Other organizations participating in the event includes ACRES, NParks, Nokia, The Dorsl Effect etc.

On 24 Mar, NTU Earthlink invited Dr Amy Khor, Mayor of South West District, to grace the opening ceremony for Earth Fest. Dr Amy Khor presented a Token of Appreciation to Earth Society during the opening ceremony.

 

NTU Earthlink set up a game station for the students participating in the event. Students will first collect a game card from Earthlink game station. Then they have to visit the different booths to learn about how to help the environment. They would complete various activities at the booths to earn stamps on the card. When the students get 9 stamps, they would win a goodie bag and a chance to join in a Lucky Draw. The grand prize of the Lucky Draw is an ipad! (a great attraction for the students!)

At our booth, students have to watch a 2 mins video clip on “How Global Warming is affecting the world?” Then, they will answer 2 questions based on the video to get a stamp in the card. Because of this activity, many students learn about the effects of climate change on the environment and ways to protect the environment.

At the end of the 3 day event, many students showed interest in the topic of Climate change and gladly sign up in our email list to receive more information on environmental protection.

Eco-Walk from the Heart event (16 Mar)

Mdm Joyce Lye, founder of Kampung Senang, invited Earth Society to participate in their Eco “Walk from the Heart” event on 16 Mar at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Kampung Senang organized this Eco-walk to raise funds for it’s various charity projects which includes overseas Eco-tours, Zero-Cancer program, Wheel-chair repair program etc.

More info about Kampung Senang can be found at: http://kampungsenang.org/

On 16 Mar, Earth Society members and volunteers arrived at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park on 8am. We set up booths to distribute information on Environmental protection to interested participants of the walk.

We don animal costumes and hold signs such as “Less Meat, Less Heat”, “Veggie Thursdays” and pose with the participants for them to take photos.

Our animal mascots are hugely popular with the participants of the walk. :>

Participants of the event walk leisurely for 3km / 5 km around the park. After the walk they take part in programs such as laughter yoga, Health talks etc.

The event ended at 11.30am with a refreshing shower of long-awaited rainfall. (The grass and the trees in the park would be grateful for the rainfall after such a long Dry spell from Jan to mid-Mar 2014)

Assembly Talk @ Changkat Primary (24 Feb)

Mdm Nadjah Alkhatib from Changkat Primary invited Earth Society to conduct 2 Assembly talks for the school cohort on 24 Feb. Mdm Sumi, a parent volunteer in the school, recommended our talks to her.

On 24 Feb, Earth Society members arrived at Changkat Primary at 8.45am.

We conducted a Global Warming Assembly talk to P1 to P3 students from 9 to 9.30am, set up a booth from 9.30 till 11am, and conduct another Assembly talk for P4 to P6 students from 11 to 11.30am.

Feedback from Teachers: 

The talk was informative. The presenter showed good videos, easy for kids to follow and understand the Green House Effect. Most of the students were engaged. Teachers too.  
- Mdm Nadjah Alkhatib, teacher, ChangKat Primary

A very good talk on Global Warming. Very impressed with slides and videos. The pupils learn a lot about saving the Earth. Thank you for a job well-done!

- Ms Nooradelin Mohd Salleh, teacher, ChangKat Primary

Assembly Talk @ CHIJ St Joseph’s Convent (07 Feb)

Ms Grace Tan from CHIJ St Joseph’s Convent invited Earth Society to conduct an Assembly talk for Sec 3 students on 07 Feb. This is the second year she invited Earth Society to her school.

On 07 Feb, Earth Society members arrived at St Joseph’s Convent at 8.30 am. We conducted a Global Warming Assembly talk and Quiz to Sec 3 students from 8.45 to 9.30 am. Students listen attentively to the talk and participated actively in the Quiz.

After the talk, we set up a booth at the school canteen from 10am to 11.30am to pass additional info (Climate change booklets / Global Warming Website leaflets) to interested teachers and students.

Feedback from Students and Teachers: 

We both like the talk. We’ve learnt lots of things about Global Warming, both causes and solutions. We learn about how much water is going into Agriculture to feed the cows to get our burgers.  Thus, we should cut down on the intake of beef. Serene also found the polar bears cute and have empathy for them. So we should ALL Save the Earth. Do it for the future of our lifes.    – Serene and Lydia, CHIJ students

I really love the talk as it helps us to understand the importance of saving the Earth and to help reduce Global Warming. I will really try to help out as I love the Earth and I do not want people to suffer and die just because of global warming. I will support the meat-free Thursday as it helps to reduce CO2 emissions.   

– Lucia Maria, CHIJ student.

I really enjoyed the talk. I learnt about environment matters that I did not previously know. Good work. Keep it up and spread the word.  – Ms Tan Yu Qing, CHIJ teacher

Environment presentation & Booth @ SP GR3 Fair (22 Jan)

Ms Eunice Ang, from Singapore Polytechnic Environment Club, invited Earth Society to participate in their GR³ Fair (Go Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Fair) on 22 Jan. SP Env Club had also invited Tzu Chi youth group and NPark to set up booths and conduct talks during the event.

On 22 Jan, Earth Society members reached SP by 2pm to set up a booth in SP concourse. We distributed Eco-website leaflets and climate change booklets to participants who attended the event.

Mr Low conducted an Environment presentation on Overfishing, Animal factory farming and Global Warming for event participants from 4 to 4.30pm.

Participants listened attentively to the presentation and responded positively to the talk.

We manned the booth till 5.30pm where the event ends.

Youths’ Feedback: 

The talk was very interesting as I get to learn a lot on conserving the environment. Initially, I did not know that our huge intake of fish can cause overfishing. I personally have the passion to conserve the marine animals so hopefully there will be more ways to help save the marine animals.    – Eunice Ang, SP Env student

I like the talk, I learnt a lot about the environment and the problems that the world are facing now. I felt very inspired after the talk.    – Ho Xiang Tian, SP student.