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Into the Classroom | Explore the Agricultural Science Centre
Our Year 1 pupils are learning about the 24 Solar Terms. We have explored the last Autumn Solar Term through First Frost (in Mandarin, Shuang Jiang). This allowed us to investigate the agricultural harvesting procedures at this time of year. First Frost also marks the time when the weather becomes significantly colder and the river surface begins to freeze. Let’s follow Wellington Nest children’s steps to harvesting rice.
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At the Tianjin Agricultural Science Centre, we participated in the process: ‘From the Field to the Table’. This concept emphasizes the importance of naturally grown healthy food. We learnt the traditional Chinese poem ‘Min Nong’, which mentions ‘Plant one grain of millet in spring, harvest ten thousand grains of rice in Autumn’. This process refers to the idea that food should be produced and consumed in a way that is sustainable and supports local communities. Year 1’s were given the opportunity to contribute to sustainable development by using corn waste products to make scarecrows.
The children saw the hard work behind a bowl of rice - in the field, the laboratory and the processing plant and the importance of healthy eating habits and local agricultural culture. Children were able to feel the rice, smell it, weigh it, count it and even taste it. Some of them said:” It smells like milk.” Some of them said:” It just smells like home dinner!” They used their senses in their learning. Children also had the chance to experience a cornfield maze, feed farm animals, and use a hand net to catch fish. They all had fun getting dirty, closer to nature and learning by experience.
At the XiaoZhan rice factory, the children were able to witness the processes involved in making rice table ready. Each stage of the process was governed by a separate machine. All the teachers and children were amazed by the use of very sophisticated technology. Later, we had the chance to taste different types of rice and choose our favourite ones. We learnt the difference between old rice and new rice.
What an unforgettable memory Year 1 has and how much they have learned through hands-on experience! Each of us brought a bunch of rice home. The smell of the rice may last till the Spring Festival. By that time we can peel off the rice husk and make a lucky porridge. In Wellington Year 1, we enjoy learning together, we have fun together and we grow together.
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