Bintulu: A total of 120 children aged 5 to 7 from Tadika Gloria, Bintulu, were given the exciting opportunity to explore the world of fish anatomy through the Demonstration Program: Marine and Freshwater Fish Anatomy, organized by the Department of Animal Science and Fishery, Faculty of Agricultural and Foretsry Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia Kampus Bintulu (UPMKB) in early October. The event was coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Leong Sui Sien and facilitated by Mr. Muhammad Hafiy Bin Yusoff, Ms Arlene Debbie Lingoh and 14 first-semester students from the Diploma in Fisheries (DPI) program.

 

The program was designed with two primary goals: 1) Applying the knowledge of fish classification, identification, and measurement learned by DPI students in a community setting; 2) Transferring fisheries knowledge from students to the community to promote awareness and understanding of the field. The program not only enriches the students' educational experience but also introduces young children to fundamental knowledge about fisheries in a fun and engaging way.

 

The program included an introduction to various marine and freshwater fish species, focusing on their external anatomy. Students from DPI facilitated these lessons using posters, interactive models, quizzes, games to engage the children. Activities such as the Fish Anatomy Display Board taught the external parts of fish, while Layered Fish Models helped demonstrate different anatomical structures.

 

Creativity was encouraged through Fish Drawing and Coloring, and the "Fish in Water" Activity simulated fish behavior in aquatic environments. The Fresh Fish Exhibition allowed children and teachers to observe real fish specimens up close, and Fish Arts and Crafts engaged the young participants in hands-on projects. An Interactive Fish Quiz provided a playful way to test their knowledge.

 

A program coordinator remarked, "This initiative offers a meaningful two-way learning experience. Our students gain practical skills while serving the community, and the children benefit from an enjoyable and informative introduction to fisheries." The program was warmly received by teachers and parents, who praised the creative and practical approach in making fisheries education accessible to young learners. This collaboration between UPMKB and the local community reflects the university’s commitment to bridging academic learning with societal needs.