Scientific Panel on Earth Day and Climate Change Brings Together Experts and Students in a Meaningful Day of Reflection.
As part of the Earth Day commemoration, Colegio Concepción held a Scientific Panel on Earth Day and Climate Change on April 22nd in the Casa de la Fraternidad. The initiative, organised by the Sustainability Committee and the English Immersion Plan, created a space for dialogue, reflection, and learning around current environmental challenges.
The activity brought together students and specialists to discuss topics such as climate change, biodiversity, water pollution, wetlands, ecological footprint, and eco-anxiety. The panel featured Dr. Juan Carlos Ortiz, academic from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Oceanography at Universidad de Concepción; Dr. Marcelo Pavez, biologist; Mg. Nicole Burger, biologist and analyst in biodiversity and public policy; Mg. Camila de la Fuente, psychologist and university lecturer; and Ms. Javiera Román, representative of the Department of Environment of the Municipality of Chiguayante.
A meaningful opening segment was led by students from the Senior Area, who introduced key environmental concepts to frame the discussion. Sofía Arancibia (9th grade B) reflected on the significance of Earth Day, Benjamín Sáez (10th grade A) introduced the Sustainable Development Goals, and Catalina and Valentina Oyanadel (12th grade B) explored the ecological footprint and its connection to everyday life.
Following this opening, the panel moved into a guided conversation where students asked questions and engaged directly with the invited experts. This format allowed them to approach environmental issues from different perspectives, including science, conservation, public policy, education, and emotional wellbeing.
As part of the event, a world map created with chia seeds by students from Formación Inicial was displayed, connecting the panel with earlier learning experiences developed during the March activities of the English Immersion Program. This piece reflected themes of growth, sustainability, and care for the planet.
More than a commemorative activity, this panel became a space for collective reflection, encouraging critical thinking and environmental awareness while reinforcing the role of the English Immersion Plan in promoting interdisciplinary learning connected to today’s global context.
