ESS Trip to Soc Son

Our Grade 11 students of DP Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) visited Soc Son to explore ecological methods and think critically about semi-natural ecosystems. Students tested and compared the water quality of a stream and a pond, used quadrat sampling to investigate the plant species found in two different habitats, and measured the impact of human activity on the side of a reservoir. 

It was interesting to see a variety of plant species, likely due to the different habitats, even though we covered a relatively small area. – Linh

One thing I enjoyed was identifying different species in a quadrat, because when I paid attention and observed it carefully, I noticed that there were some living species that I couldn’t spot when I was standing. I saw one small bug that had a very pretty metallic blue color! – Yuriko 

One thing I enjoyed was being able to apply the skills we learned in class in the real world and see how the subject is truly important for nature. – An Trung

I enjoyed testing the water and identifying the species using my phone. – Biama

I connected this to Theory of Knowledge (TOK) because in TOK we discuss how to apply new understandings locally. – Lily