The long-awaited day has finally arrived – the Science Week for Grades Four to Five in 2023, a wonderful celebration that blends learning with fun! The week-long Science Week activities were full of excitement, with one highlight after another.

On Monday, the underground atrium of Zhongxing Building transformed into a vibrant world, captivating the attention of numerous students with its exquisite Butterfly Wing Gallery. Students from the fourth and fifth grades got acquainted with various butterfly species found in natural ecosystems and had the opportunity to appreciate marvelous patterns created using butterfly wings. Through this experience, they felt the boundless fusion of art and science.

On Tuesday's science class, Ms. Chen Li, a medal tutor in natural notes and museum popular science painting, delivered a fascinating lecture titled 'Introduction to Nature Observation Notes' to the fourth-grade students. Students learned about the 6+1 elements of nature notes and appreciated more than thirty award-winning student works. In the practical session, students picked various types of fallen leaves on campus and in the community, then created nature observation note on tree leaves. Through the colorful autumn leaves, students not only identified various plant species but also enhanced their observation skills and composition techniques, making their works both scientific and aesthetically pleasing.

Shanghai Natural History Museum researcher, Professor Bu Yun, presented a lecture titled 'Soil Caretakers' to the fifth-grade students. Who is the high jump champion in the animal kingdom? How to distinguish between "males" and "females" in jumping insects? What is “the immortal insect”? What are luminescent soil microorganisms. Students actively engaged with expert teachers, asking questions, and participating enthusiastically. Centipedes, millipedes, spiders, and ground beetles play roles in decomposing organic matter and maintaining soil balance. Professor Bu's presentation of the super-sized millipede from Hunan allowed students to have a close encounter with these ‘Soil Caretakers.’

Thursday's Science Carnival was divided into the Zhongxing Building main venue and the Sodexo sub-venue. In the B1 main venue of Zhongxing Building, the opening motivational video by science teachers captivated the students, and the demonstration of a floating balloon ring and air cannon left everyone in awe. The grand unveiling of a giant banner officially kicked off the Science Carnival. Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to explore more than 30 different exhibitions and booths. With their science passports in hand, attendees interacted with exhibiting students, collected stamps, and received cool prizes. Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, Ms. Liu Fang, Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, and Ms. Yao Shenghua, Creative Program Coordinator of SHSID Middle and Primary School, came to the venue and listened to the students' explanations and participated in the Q and A session with great interest.

Imagine the scene – over ten different science clubs showcased their two-month scientific inquiries, covering topics from yogurt fermentation to habitat garden design, from the impact of aromas on mosquito preferences to the exploration of tidal wetlands, from insect encounters to the secret elegance of garlic. Everyone could find something of interest. The exploration extended beyond the school campus and covered various scientific fields. Students contributing to independent research projects showcased creative inquiries, such as extracting strawberry DNA and an on-campus transportation system featuring a conveyor belt, demonstrating great creativity.

Parent contributions were also commendable: 4-1 Aaron's Dad set up a maze with paper boxes for robots to navigate and avoid obstacles; 5-2 Aiden's Dad taught students to remotely control a monitor with gestures, allowing children to experience bionics visual technology and artificial intelligence; 4-6 Amelia's Dad demonstrated a regenerating worms. These displays sparked great interest among students. Club teachers also brought brainwave concentration tests for astronaut selection, scientific puzzle games, indoor micro-landscapes with small algal eco-bottles, and plant knowledge popularization through flower arrangements.

At the sub-venue, teachers from the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium brought 'Starlit Encounters,' allowing students to have a hands-on experience with a live starfish: a sand starfish and a swallowtail sea star. The students' faces were filled with wonder and excitement. 'It feels soft when touched, a bit like playdough,' shared one student about their tactile experience. Following this, explanations about specimen knowledge and a specimen coloring activity allowed each student to create their own starfish!

When natural butterfly wings meet traditional Chinese knot artistry, what kind of spark would they ignite? With colorful threads, students crafted beautiful butterfly bookmarks. Professor Zhang Ning, an expert on butterflies and moths, provided lively explanations and practical demonstrations, allowing students to feel the charm of science and the love for traditional culture.

In our school's vibrant scientific landscape, countless ideas bloom, and energy knows no bounds. It's not just a celebration of science but also a lively reflection of the teamwork between teachers, parents, and external experts, all contributing to the collective growth of our students. Picture this: students gathered in the science hall, displaying not only their endless creativity but also the power of teamwork. Let's keep our attention on this exciting scientific stage and witness the magic of all things growing together!

Written by Yiwei Zhu, Ying Jin

Pictures by Cao Minxuan

Edited by Serene Yang, Ginger Xu, Cong Luo, Wu Shiyu (Intern), Andrew McGillivray