近日，上海星河湾双语学校师生在完成马萨诸塞州伍兹霍尔海洋生物学实验室（MBL）的深度科研项目后，前往哈佛大学自然历史博物馆。哈佛大学自然历史博物馆成立于1998年，是哈佛三大研究型博物馆（植物标本馆、矿物与地质学博物馆、比较动物学博物馆）面向公众的展示之窗。此次活动开启了一场由星校与哈佛大学比较动物学实验室联合设计、融合前沿科学与艺术之美的探索之旅。

在人类世的视角下，重新审视我们的行为

旅程的首站是哈佛科研大楼内一场发人深省的讲座。宾夕法尼亚大学的教授Dr. Mattheau S. Comerford以“人类世”（epoch of humanity）的宏大视角开场，结合自身研究经历中的生动故事，深入浅出地阐释了人类活动对地球环境所产生的深远影响。原本用于防止鸟类伤害树木的防护网，竟在无意中导致了危险昆虫数量的增加。这让同学们意识到，哪怕是看似微不足道的干预，也可能在复杂的生态系统中引发连锁反应。

在自然历史中，触摸时间与生命的痕迹

随后，师生们在工作人员的精心安排和讲解中深入探索了哈佛自然历史博物馆。地质展区内晶体矿石流光溢彩，令人驻足流连；动物展区丰富的标本与化石讲述着生命的演化史诗；海洋生物展区也让同学们重温了在MBL学到的知识，从微塑料对于动物的影响到海洋生态的复杂结构，都从抽象的理论，变成了可触摸的现实。

其中，最震撼人心的莫过于哈佛独有的珍宝——Blaschka 玻璃植物收藏。这些制作于十九世纪的玻璃花卉与植物模型逼真到几可乱真，脉络纹理清晰可见，色泽栩栩如生。工作人员细致讲述了其精湛工艺与背后的故事。同学们不仅惊叹于 Blaschka 家族鬼斧神工的技艺，更感受到一种被时间凝固的美学力量：极致的美往往短暂，而要使其永恒，需要克制与守护。

微小选择，如何悄然塑造人生轨迹

旅程的终点回归到对自身的思考。在与哈佛大学研究员Dr. Wei-Ping Chan的座谈中，同学们探讨了“微小行动的力量”。Dr. Chan结合自身科研经历，讲述了个人选择与努力如何可以像蝴蝶效应般，悄然塑造生命中的重要轨迹与成就。他启发同学们思考：每一个当下的努力与抉择，都可能在未来的某个节点产生不可估量的影响。

再美好的事物终究都会迎来终点。从宏观的人类世到微观的个人选择，从坚硬的岩石标本到脆弱却永恒的玻璃之花，哈佛自然历史博物馆的深入探访在科学、环境、历史与艺术的多重维度间穿梭，它既为此次MBL科研之旅画下了一个圆满而富有诗意的句号，也在年轻学子心中播下了关于责任、美感与人生选择的种子。  

When science and art intertwine within a century-old hall, what sparks might fly? Recently, after completing an intensive research program at the MBL (Marine Biological Laboratory), students and faculty from Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School (SSBS) were invited to the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Established in 1998, this institution serves as the public-facing showcase for Harvard’s trio of research museums—the Herbaria, the Mineralogical & Geological Museum, and the Museum of Comparative Zoology. Thus began a unique exploration, co-designed by SSBS and Harvard’s Museum of Comparative Zoology, weaving together cutting-edge science and artistic beauty.

Re-examining Our Actions

Through the Lens of the Anthropocene

The journey commenced with a thought-provoking lecture inside a Harvard research building. Professor Dr. Mattheau S. Comerford from the University of Pennsylvania opened with the grand perspective of the "Anthropocene"—the epoch defined by humanity’s profound impact on Earth. Sharing vivid stories from his own research, he illustrated how even the most well-intentioned human interventions can ripple through complex ecosystems. A protective net, originally installed to shield trees from birds, inadvertently led to a surge in harmful insect populations. This revelation struck a chord with the students: even the tiniest action can trigger unforeseen consequences.

Touching the Traces of Time

and Life in Natural History

Guided by museum staff, the group then delved into the Harvard Museum of Natural History. In the mineral galleries, crystals shimmered with captivating brilliance; the zoological exhibits, rich with specimens and fossils, narrated the epic saga of evolution; and the marine biology section allowed students to revisit concepts from their MBL studies—from the impact of microplastics on organisms to the intricate structure of oceanic ecosystems—transforming abstract theories into tangible reality.

The most breathtaking exhibit was Harvard’s unique treasure: the Blaschka Glass Flowers. Crafted in the 19th century, these glass models of plants and flowers are astonishingly lifelike, with veins and textures rendered in exquisite detail and colors that seem to breathe. Staff members recounted the story behind their creation and the masterful craftsmanship of the Blaschka family. The students were not only awestruck by this almost supernatural artistry but also moved by a sense of aesthetic power frozen in time: true beauty is often fleeting, and its eternity demands both restraint and guardianship.

How Small Choices Quietly

Shape Our Life’s Trajectory

The journey concluded with introspection. In a conversation with Harvard researcher Dr. Wei-Ping Chan, students explored “the power of small actions.” Drawing from his own scientific path, Dr. Chan shared how individual choices and persistent efforts can, like the butterfly effect, subtly shape one’s life trajectory and achievements. He encouraged them to reflect: every present effort and decision may yield immeasurable influence at some future juncture.

From the macro perspective of the Anthropocene to the micro choices of the individual, from the solidity of rock specimens to the fragile yet eternal glass flowers, this deep dive into the Harvard Museum of Natural History traversed multiple dimensions—science, environment, history, and art. It provided a poetic and fulfilling finale to the MBL research expedition, while planting seeds of responsibility, aesthetic appreciation, and thoughtful decision-making in the hearts of these young scholars.

 

文字：2026 SSBSxHarvard全体学生

文字指导：李婷

图片：阮振超

编辑：曲昊睿

审核：张力