The SHSID Creative Program Festival is still in full swing. This month, grades 1-3 at Puxi Campus were treated to three lectures by experts on different topics. The children obtained in-depth knowledge and information outside the classroom to help them broaden their understanding of different subject areas.

Grade 1：The Magic Seed Battle

The first graders participated in a unique science lecture titled "The Magic Seed Battle". The lecture invited Teacher Lou Youyou from the Shanghai Natural History Museum, who brought the children on a wonderful learning journey about seeds in a lively and interesting way.

At the beginning of the lecture, Ms. Lou first introduced the components of seeds to the children, giving them a preliminary understanding of their function and structure. Ms. Lou also showed pictures of different seeds and asked the children to guess what seeds they were. The children actively raised their hands to speak, "Apples, peaches, coconuts, dandelions...". None of them could stump the children! Ms. Lou affirmed the children's answers and introduced the characteristics of these seeds to them.

Ms. Lou showed the children seeds of different colors and shapes, allowing them to experience their abundant diversity. The children saw various seeds, some like small stones, some like boats, and some like wings. They were full of curiosity about these magical seeds.

Next, Ms. Lou detailed the different methods of seed dispersal. She told the children that there are many ways for seeds to spread, such as wind dispersal, animal dispersal, self-dispersal, and water dispersal. To help the children better understand the way seeds spread, Teacher Lou invited a child to the stage to demonstrate the way of animal dispersal. She hung the Xanthium on the child's hair and clothes and asked them to walk around on the stage, simulating the process of seeds being carried to different places by animals. This visual representation of seed dispersion was highly entertaining and allowed the children to visualize and internalize the process. Ms. Lou also asked the children to demonstrate the spinning of the borneol in the air, allowing them to feel the magic of wind dispersal. After the lecture, each child received a Xanthium seed, which they could take home to continue observing and researching.

Watching the students hang the Xanthium seeds on their sleeves, hair, pencil cases, and excitedly discuss the magical seeds, we know that this lecture has opened a new door to science for them. The lecture allowed the children to have close contact with scientific knowledge and sparked their interest in natural science. By observing the pictures of seeds and understanding the way seeds spread, the children have a deeper understanding of the plant world, which may inspire their curiosity and enthusiasm for science. We hope that the seed of scientific exploration blossoms in the hearts of the children, allowing them to continuously grow and progress in their future studies.

Grade 2：Meet the Beetles

On the afternoon of May 11th, Huang Jianbo, Director of the Science Popularization Department at the Shanghai Entomological Museum of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered an engaging lecture to our second-grade students about the fascinating world of beetles. This lecture not only provided the children with a wealth of insect knowledge but also sparked their interest in natural science.

Mr. Huang, with his humorous language and easy-to-understand explanations, led the students into the lives of beetles. He explained the beetle's lifecycle, their daily habits, and even their emotions. He also gave practical advice on how to safely deal with a beetle bite, including a comparison of the pain caused by bites from male and female beetles. The children were deeply captivated by his lively and interesting presentation, with exclamations of surprise echoing throughout the room.

The most thrilling part for the children was the display of various live insects during the lecture. Mr. Huang presented a white, plump beetle larva (grub) curled up in the soil, several fluttering butterflies, and a highly camouflaged stick insect. These "little assistants" allowed the children to get up close, touch, and observe, filling them with excitement, nervousness, and curiosity. This greatly stimulated their curiosity and desire to explore.

This lecture was not only an engaging natural science lesson but also a delightful scientific feast. Mr. Huang, with his comedian-like stage presence and sincere passion as a scholar, became the children's "walking beetle encyclopedia." Through his talk, the children experienced the wonder of the "thousand faces of beetles," igniting their enthusiasm for exploring nature and their thirst for knowledge.

Grade 3：The Wonders and Marvels of the Plant Kingdom

Dr. Chao Daiyin, the head of the research group at the Center for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, brought a unique popular science lecture titled "The Wonders and Marvels of the Plant Kingdom" to the third-grade students. Dr. Chao's lecture not only opened the door for children to explore the world of plants but also planted a seed of deep interest in natural science within their hearts.

With his unique warmth and humor, Dr. Chao guided the children into the kingdom of plants. He provided detailed explanations of how plants adapt to the environment and defend against external threats through their roots, stems, leaves, and other structures. In a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, the children learned about the mysteries of plant survival. When discussing the unique defense mechanisms of plants, the children listened attentively and couldn't help but express their amazement.

To help the children gain a more intuitive understanding of botany, Dr. Chao showcased various plant images. He pointed to a picture of a lush lotus leaf, explaining its unique waterproof properties. He also displayed an image of an air pineapple root that absorbs moisture, leaving the children astonished by the plant's incredible adaptability. These vivid pictures filled the children with curiosity and imagination about the plant world.

Dr. Chao also shared knowledge about plant reproduction. He talked about the differentiation of flower sexes, the process of pollination, and other interesting facts. He encouraged the children to observe the plants around them and discover their marvelous aspects. The children expressed their intention to pay more attention to the natural environment and understand the ways in which plants survive.

Through Dr. Chao's witty and humorous language and vivid explanations, he became a "treasure trove of plant knowledge" in the hearts of the children. Through this lecture, the children not only gained rich knowledge about plants but also ignited their love for natural science and their desire for knowledge.

Written by Thea Chen, Yuanjing Zhang, Yu Lin

Picture by Carol Li

Edited by Cong Luo, Bianca Noguera