Project-Based Learning: Transforming Students from “Listeners” to “Researchers”

At the beginning of the course, students first learned how to independently design research projects and present their findings. Through lectures delivered by scientists from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, they gained an understanding of the ecological differences between tropical rainforests and rubber plantations, as well as the fundamental methods and significance of rainforest restoration. Students were then organized into four research groups — “Rainforest Biodiversity,” “Rainforest Ecosystem Services,” “Rainforest Restoration,” and “Dai Medicinal and Edible Plants” — each guided by volunteer learning partners from Fudan University to support their project-based research challenges.

Cross-School Co-Creation: A “Two-Way Classroom” Between Urban and Rainforest Students

Between 2022 and 2023, Good to Nature extended its educational innovation to cross-regional collaboration, fostering an ongoing connection between the Menglun Middle School Rainforest Restoration Club and students from the No.2 High School of East China Normal University, Shanghai. Over 20 volunteer students worked alongside Menglun Middle School members to complete independent task challenges, research proposal design, and group presentations, creating a dynamic “two-way classroom” experience bridging urban and rainforest communities.

This “Rainforest and Urban Co-Learning” model enables youth with diverse backgrounds to collaborate and exchange ideas on shared ecological topics. Students from the No.2 High School actively participated in public events such as the Good to Rainforest Festival, transforming their research and learning outcomes into ecological outreach content, thereby inspiring broader public awareness and engagement in biodiversity conservation.

This cross-regional collaboration not only fostered mutual growth between rainforest and urban youth, but also pioneered a new model of youth ecological education that integrates scientific research education with public welfare outreach.

Discovering the Treasures of Rainforest & Understanding the Business World: From Scientific Learning to Value Creation

Starting in 2023, the program was further upgraded, .Good to Nature, in collaboration with scientists from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden and industry mentors, launched the “Discovering Rainforest Treasures & Understanding the Business World” series. The curriculum covers fundamental business concepts, applications of plant resources, product demand and design thinking, business plan development, and principles of sustainable development, helping students understand how ecological value can be transformed into a driver for social innovation.

The “Discovering Rainforest Treasures” course uses plant diversity as an entry point to guide students in re-exploring the tropical rainforest through everyday observation. Students learn how to observe and document plant information , and gain knowledge about the functions and values of medicinal, edible, and aromatic plants. In March 2024, during field study sessions, students visited different areas of the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, identifying and recording various plant traits, understanding their ecological functions and application potential, and selecting their own “treasure plants”. They documented their reasons and insights, combining scientific observation with personal interpretation.

The “Understanding the Business World” course introduced students to broader real-world topics. Good to Natureinvited leaders and professionals from various industries to deliver specialized business knowledge sessions, integrating rainforest conservation education with career guidance. The course encouraged students to consider how they could protect and restore nearby tropical rainforests while leveraging the treasure plants of the rainforest to support their personal career growth and contribute to the economic development of their hometowns.

From 2022 to the present, the project-based learning system of the Menglun Middle School Rainforest Restoration Club has evolved from ecological science enlightenment to career inspiration. Throughout this journey, students have not only learned to observe nature, conduct research, and articulate their ideas, but have also gradually developed a sustainable mindset, empowering them to become proactive “future rainforest guardians” at the forefront of environmental action.