Ecology. A branch of Biology that studies the relationships existing between living organisms and their environment. To most people, it may be an abstract term, but OLAG understands that true appreciation of such a sensitive topic requires an experience that surpasses the details any classroom lesson can offer. This obligation led our third year students to Accra, several miles away from home, to explore the beauty of our environment and learn the principles that govern our very ecosystem.
At the University of Ghana, Legon, students were welcomed into the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies with a brief video presentation as an introduction to archaeology. Through the presentation, students discovered that there was more to archaeology than unearthing ancient items; rather the focus of the whole concept was to use these relics to understand the lives, beliefs and systems of all who existed before us. Sectioned into pottery, human evolution, figurines, colonization and beading, the department’s museum enriched the minds of the students with astute illustrations. Tour guides elaborated on the background of various artefacts, highlighting most importantly their origin and presumed uses.
The School of Engineering Sciences presented a contrasting theme for our students after exploring the remnants of history. Modern technology, now a crucial element in our bionetwork today, persuaded the minds of the students to deem it a prudent hope in our foreseeable future. Witnessing the scientific principles and complex mechanisms exploited to solve everyday problems absolutely stupefied the students. Take for example, the freeze dryer, a machine that transforms its inputs into pulverised food produce to ensure optimum preservation of nutritional value for a longer period of time. Thorough information about many other ingenious inventions was revealed to the students including the methods of extracting wines and oils from various sources and packaging them as finished products.
Subsequently, at the Bioengineering Department, a practical lesson was given on the subject of biomechanics, the field of engineering concerned with human movement and rehabilitation science. The students were exposed to different gadgets and their appliances. Amidst the assembly of curious students was Professor David Dodoo Arhin, a prestigious scholar in the Department of Material Science and Engineering with over 26 years of experience in teaching, research and mentorship.
After an insightful engagement at the University of Ghana, the ecological trip had one more adventure in stall for them. Shai Hills, a renowned park, home to a variety of flora and fauna and more importantly an ideal biome suitable for our young biologists to make their own observations. Rummaging through the grasslands, the students came across various species; a herd of zebras grazing, an ostrich, and even troops of monkeys with green fur. Down the path of the safari was the Museum of National Heritage. Among the numerous artefacts on display were the skulls of a baboon, crocodile, young elephant and a terrapin. Interesting facts were inscribed under every image on display and further information was sensitized by the tour guide. Soon after, the students were allowed to handle a Royal Python: a domestic snake known for their very calm temperament.
To call this trip a wonderful one will be an understatement, it was the ultimate ecology lesson to be enduringly entrenched in memory. After all, no account of the expedition can compare to the experience of our participants.
Blessing Aduko,
3 Science 1.
