Science festival delights and educates students and parents

An international science festival focused on core literacy and STEM education took place at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, attracting hundreds of students and their parents to see the latest science and technology innovations.

The 2016 International STEM Science Festival featured a series of activities including project experiences, a forum and the 2016 World Robot Olympiad East China competition.

The four-day event invited experts from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Finland, as well as more than 40 well-known domestic and international enterprises, including Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard Development Company and Oracle.

Students and their parents were especially engaged in the practical demonstration areas. In the microscope showcase area, several attendees used the microscopes to observe cells.

Wenhui Xiong, who was in charge of the microscope area, said the microscopes were electron microscopes that use a beam of accelerated electrons as a source of illumination and therefore have higher levels of magnification than the more common optical microscopes, and are easier to operate.

Bin Ma, head of the Elementary Education Division at the Jiangsu provincial Department of Education, said: “The science festival aims to cultivate students’ scientific and rational thinking and allow them to think about how to integrate science and rationality with life. We hope to train students’ innovative thinking and practical abilities through the demonstrations on offer.”

The 2016 International STEM Science Festival was co-organised by XJTLU, the Jiangsu provincial Youth Science and Technology Centre and the Basic Education Division of Jiangsu provincial Department of Education.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM education focuses on practical experience and equips young people with the knowledge and skills to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information.