On 12 April 2025, the United Nations International Day of Human Space Flight, the “2025 Biodiversity Space-Exposed Seeds Nursery Programme” embarked on a new chapter. Nearly 300 students from 30 primary and secondary schools from Hong Kong and Macau received space-exposed seeds and will engage in six months of planting, observation, data recording, analysis, and multidimensional research to enhance interdisciplinary learning and practical skills. They will also prepare seed nomination reports to deepen their understanding of the value and significance of space-exposed seeds.
The Programme is organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development (HiESD), with support from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the HKSAR Government, UNESCO Hong Kong Association (UHKA), The Chinese University of Hong Kong Faculty of Education Alumni Association, The Education University of Hong Kong Alumni Association, and the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers.
From Space-Exposed Seeds to Young Scientists
The launch ceremony was officiated by Prof. Karen Cheung, President of UNESCO Hong Kong Association and Director of HiESD; Mr. MA Wai-chung, Peter, Assistant Director (Agriculture) of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the HKSAR Government; and Prof. Ting-Fung Chan, Professor of the School of Life Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Co-organiser of the Hong Kong Seed Technology and Education Centre. The officiating guests planted seeds of space-exposed eggplant, tomato (from the SJ-10 satellite), and okra (from the Long March 5B rocket). The growth of these seeds symbolises students’ growing scientific curiosity.
A Decade of Space-Exposed Seeds Nursery Project: From Classrooms to Space
In her welcome speech, Prof. Karen Cheung highlighted that since 2015, the Programme has witnessed growing interest in biodiversity and sustainable development among schools. Aligned with global actions for World Space Day, she emphasised that space technology not only explores the universe but also serves as a vital force for advancing sustainable development goals, with the Biodiversity Space-Exposed Seeds Nursery Programme practically embodying this vision.
Cultivating Love for Our Nation Through Space-Exposed Seeds
Mr. MA Wai-chung praised the Programme for its creativity and scientific inspiration, encouraging students to broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of China’s advancements in aerospace and agriculture, and foster national awareness.
Expert Lectures Helping to Build a Solid Scientific Foundation
The event featured keynote speeches by Ir. Zhao Hui, Executive Vice Chairman and Director of the Modern Agriculture and Aerospace Working Committee of the China High-Tech Industrialisation Association, and Prof. Ting-Fung Chan. They shared expert insights on “Space-Exposed Seeds Nursery and Biodiversity” and “Genetic Diversity of Seeds and Food Security” respectively, providing students with cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative research outcomes.
School Sharing and Exhibition – Offering Practical Guidance
To assist teachers and students in exploring different educational possibilities, directions and practical methods for implementing the Programme at school, we invited the Chinese Foundation Secondary School, Salesian English School, and Chinese Y.M.C.A. Primary School to showcase their planting outcomes. Principal Mr. Ho Tik-shun and Ms. Chan from the Chinese Foundation Secondary School shared their experiences on how the project aligns with the school’s overall strategy, and how they implemented classroom, co-curricular and project-based interdisciplinary learning, as well as sister school and cross-border exchanges. Students from Salesian English School shared their experiential learning and practical experience of continuously optimising planting methods during four planting phases. Representatives shared cross-disciplinary experiential learning strategies and relevant cross-border exchange experiences, offering valuable references for participating schools.
A Global Commitment to Sustainable Development
This event celebrates the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and UNESCO, as well as the 25th anniversary of HiESD and UNESCO Hong Kong Association’s journey in promoting Education for Sustainable Development in Hong Kong. From establishing international networks and exchanges to building a lifelong learning system for Sustainable Development Goals, HiESD and UHKA keep pace with the times, responding to international actions and national/regional blueprints to carry out regional actions and international exchanges on Education for Sustainable Development. Through the “Biodiversity Space-Exposed Seeds Nursery Programme”, we hope school teachers and students will deepen their understanding of aerospace technology and sustainable development, working together to “Plant the Seeds of Scientific Exploration to Build a STEAM Garden in Schools.”
List of Participating Schools:
- Chinese YMCA Primary School
- Concordia Lutheran School (North Point)
- ELCHK Lutheran Academy
- HKCCCU Logos Academy
- HKMA David Li Kwok Po College
- Hong Kong Sze Yap Commercial and Industrial Association Wong Tai Shan Memorial College
- Hong Kong Taoist Association Shun Yeung Primary School
- Ling Liang Church M.H. Lau Secondary School
- Man Kwan Pak Kau College
- Marymount Primary School
- Ping Shek Estate Catholic Primary School
- PLK Mrs. Chan Nam Chong Memorial Primary School
- Pui Ching Middle School (Coloane Campus)
- Pui Kiu College
- Pun U Association Wah Yan Primary School
- Salesian English School
- Shek Lei Catholic Secondary School
- St. Paul’s College
- St. Paul’s Secondary School
- Sung Tak Wong Kin Sheung Memorial School
- The Chinese Foundation Secondary School
- The Hong Kong Management Association K S Lo College
- The Mission Covenant Church Holm Glad Primary School
- Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College
- TWGHs Kwok Yat Wai College
- Yan Chai Hospital Choi Hin To Primary School
- YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College
- Yu Chun Keung Memorial College
- Yuen Long Merchants Association Secondary School
- Yuen Long Po Kok Primary School
For more details, please visit: https://hiesd.org/wp/spaceseeds2025/
Tel: +852 2312 7696
Email: event@hiesd.org