The Earth is an open classroom
The Academia Científica Escolar Yecos del INCO (Instituto Comercial Marítimo Pacífico Sur) (Yecos Scientific School Academy of INCO [Southern Pacific Maritime Commercial Institute]) is made up of students from grades 7 through 12 in San Antonio, Chile. The entire world serves as the classroom for these young learners. Environmental education is at the core of their studies This group was awarded a mini-grant from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which provided binoculars to allow their passion for hands-on learning to extend far beyond the classroom walls. Throughvarious projects outside the classroom these students apply their knowledge across diverse settings—ranging from natural landscapes to urban areas—making a meaningful impact on their communities while learning from them in return.
San Antonio, a port city and a center of biodiversity in Chile, is an ideal setting for these initiatives. The region is home to a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems: streams, sclerophyllous forests, and wetlands. These environments serve as vital habitats for local and migratory birds, offering spaces for resting, feeding, and nesting. To date, dozens of bird species have been recorded in San Antonio making it the second most biodiverse birding location in Chile, surpassed only by the Lluta River outlet in the region of Arica and Parinacot, in the northernmost part of the country.
The students, guided by their teacher Pablo Andrés Malhue Campusano, explored several natural areas near San Antonio. These included the Zarapito Mirador at the Maipo River Wetland Park, the coastal edge, and the Ojos del Mar Wetland. On each visit, they identified different bird and plant species.
The students’ learning is not limited to these environments. They have also discovered the educational value of the patios and plazas of their communities. These urban areas are rich with nature, offering unique opportunities for observation. The students show that environmental education can thrive even in the city.
On October Big Day, a global birdwatching event, the students started the day with enthusiasm early in the morning. They visited various wetlands in search of new species. Working as a team, they recorded dozens of birds and earned second place for the most species observed in the Valparaíso region. This accomplishment filled them with pride, but the excitement did not stop there. They made a groundbreaking discovery, reporting the White-tipped Plantcutter (Phytotoma rutila) for the first time in central Chile, along with other observers. Their achievements garnered attention from the local newspaper which celebrated their accomplishments and dedication to environmental education and participatory science. The event not only strengthened their team spirit but also allowed them to share their passion for nature and birds with a broader community.
These inspiring experiences have encouraged more students to join the school’s enthusiastic group of birders. To welcome the new members, the group organized several introductory birding and nature observation activities. Both new and returning members also participated in the III San José de Calasanz School Science Fair, where they shared their growing knowledge with students from across the region.
Through these activities the students develop not only valuable scientific skills but also a deep emotional connection to the birds they study. This bond transcends observation — it’s a true celebration of nature that fosters curiosity, responsibility, and a love for the environment. By joining this vibrant community of birders, students create unforgettable memories while building the foundation to become strong advocates for biodiversity.
Here’s what some of the students had to say about their birding adventures and exploring the region’s natural spaces:
- “It’s an interactive and interesting experience. It’s a lot of fun to discover new species and places.”
- “…It allows us to have fun while learning.”
- “There is more emotional bonding from seeing them [birds] and having them around.”
Photos courtesy of Academia Científica Escolar Yecos del INCO.
Webpage developed by Elisa España Cordón.