Marine Ecology Research (Xiamen Coastal Zone and Chinese White Dolphin) Research Course (Xiamen): Teaching Objectives, Curriculum and Task List

The marine ecological research was conducted in Xiamen: students learned about the Chinese white dolphin at the science popularization point of the White Dolphin Sanctuary, observed intertidal organisms in the coastal zone, and used garbage classification statistics to understand the impact of human activities.

Applicable to primary school (can be downgraded to the upper kindergarten level); the teacher-student ratio is 1:50, and 5 research instructors support the implementation.

Teaching goals and literacy goals

• Scientific inquiry: Use observation and recording instead of memorization, and complete the intertidal zone biological record sheet
• Ecological responsibility: understanding the implications of the white dolphin as a nearshore flagship species
• Mathematics application: garbage classification statistics including counting, sorting and simple charts
• Presentation Output: The team completes and reports on the "Health Report on a Beach"

Executable school period: primary school. The teaching objectives are written into each plan hierarchically by school stage, and should be confirmed with the school before leaving the group.

Course schedule (example structure, customized to the school calendar)

Marine Ecology Research (Xiamen Coastal Zone and Chinese White Dolphin) Research Course Schedule (to be checked as of 2026-10)

time	location	Teaching activities and tasks	Output
09:00	White dolphin science points	Identification characteristics and coastal ecology of Chinese white dolphin	A white dolphin file card
10:30	Huandao Road Coastal Zone	Observation and recording of intertidal zone organisms	Intertidal zone biological record sheet
12:00	Study classroom	Lunch and data compilation	Morning record archive
14:00	beach section	Garbage classification statistics and source analysis	Garbage classification statistical chart
15:30	Study classroom	Group reporting and scoring	A beach health report

Research bases and locations

• Xiamen National Nature Reserve for Rare Marine Species Popular Science Site (Chinese White Dolphin)
• Huandao Road Coastal Zone Observation Point (Baicheng Beach Section)
• Xiamen Science and Technology Museum Marine Exhibition Hall (optional on rainy days)

Operational guarantee

• Warning lines and inspection posts are set up along the coast. Tide tables are checked on the same day and collection is not carried out beyond the line.
• Do not catch or touch; observe the organisms and release them in situ
• On rainy days, the indoor alternative module is activated, and the white dolphin science popularization point uses exhibitions instead of sea observation.
• There is 1 study instructor for every 50 students, and additional teachers accompanying the school

Frequent issues between schools and parents

Can you see white dolphins?

The science popularization points focus on exhibitions and specimens, and do not promise sightings at sea; the course goals are set on understanding and protective actions, not luck.

Can I attend the kindergarten class?

It can be downgraded according to the higher level of children: the task list is mainly about coloring and finding objects, and the statistics is changed to an object classification game.