中文
HOME
HOME / LATEST NEWS / Content

Grade 9: Introduction to STEM Events

September 11, 2020

On September 7th, the Class of 2024 spent their first PBL classes in the Xianmian Annex Auditorium so that they could be introduced to several major STEM competitions in high school. Mr. Liao Hui, STEM Advisor of SHSID, started off by providing a brief overview of these competitions. Subsequently, Kevin Chen from class 12(1) presented the Envirothon, which is a multicomponent academic challenge featuring various aspects of environmentalism. His speech was the beginning of several more made by seniors and juniors; they explained several important STEM competitions including HOSA, USACO, AMC , and Brain Bee. These competitions encompass various STEM-related subjects, from the conventional and more broad-ranged biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and computer science, to the more specific neuroscience, healthcare, and environmental studies.

New freshmen were being taught by their seniors one important thing: in high school, many contests and activities require comprehensive teamwork and collaboration skills. Whether it is the groups of IGEM, the departments of GTech, or the four-member teams of IMMC , teamwork is fundamental for quickly attaining goals and having better achievements in these STEM challenges. Aside from that, fellow seniors had also pointed out that competitions are valuable opportunities to obtain new information and knowledge in relevant subjects. Similar to the PBL—new to freshmen—valuable knowledge about subjects can be gained while students prepare for academic events. To thrive in these STEM subjects, it is therefore helpful to participate in such events.

Fellow freshmen were being “bombarded” with so much new information. At the end of the speeches, Mr. Liao explained that although they are complicated, they are necessary for those interested in STEM to continue their path of interest. “You are still freshmen,” he said, “and so there is still plenty of time for you to try them.” Hopefully, new freshmen will find their paths of interest through attending various events and get significant academic achievements.

(Written by Ryogo Yamamoto Pictures by Ethan Lee Supervised by Hazel Gu)