On November 21-22, 2023, this year's Chemistry Festival "Mole Day" took place as scheduled at the High School of Shanghai High School International Division, under the theme "When Chinese Culture Meets Chemistry," attracting the attention of numerous students. The event covered academic lectures, fascinating experiments, chemistry on the palate, a dreamy bubble show, and more, merging traditional Chinese culture with chemical knowledge, and showcasing a rich cultural heritage. Notably, the Chemistry clubs of the high school of Shanghai High School International Division demonstrated strong organizational skills and innovative spirit, as CCC, CHEMO, Unity, and Science Dog Clubs successfully hosted the event, adding many highlights to the entire Chemistry Festival. The student clubs set up vibrant booths showcasing their research findings and creative projects in the field of chemistry. Each club displayed its unique talents, ranging from chemical experiments to technological innovation and artistic creations, creating a diverse and impressive array of displays.

Fusion of Art in the Fashion Exhibition – 30th Anniversary Celebration

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Shanghai High School International Division and further explore the integration of art education and scientific education, the High School Chemistry Department invited students to design lab coats for their teachers and organized a lab coat exhibition. Some students ingeniously applied the technique of Ecoprint, integrating colour and texture into the design of lab coats by repeatedly pressing plant leaves. In this creative project, they not only expressed their understanding of traditional dyeing art but also presented unique designs to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Shanghai High School International Division. They injected artistic vitality into lab coats, highlighting a campus culture of fusion and innovation while actively embracing environmental concepts. The design exhibition fully reflected students' insightful perspectives on cultural heritage and environmental awareness.

Academic Lectures by Experts – Unveiling the Secrets

In the academic lecture session, Professor Zhou Mingfei from Fudan University delivered a lecture titled "Chemical Bonds: The Common Language of Chemists," delving into key concepts of chemical bonds in a clear and engaging manner, enhancing students' understanding of the essential connections between atoms. Professor Wang Limin from Nextdoor East China University of Science and Technology explored the theme "Chemistry and Culture," cleverly incorporating chemical elements from traditional Chinese culture into the lecture. He discussed the symbiotic relationship between art and chemistry in ceramics and the coexistence of chemical colours and art masters. Additionally, he showcased the “Twelve Fragrances of China,” a fragrance developed by the Chemistry and Art Research Center at East China University of Science and Technology, providing participants with a fascinating olfactory journey to experience the unique charm of Chinese culture.

Delightful Experiments with Traditional Culture – Students Showcase Their Skills

Student clubs demonstrated outstanding organizational and practical skills by conducting delightful experiments incorporating elements of traditional Chinese culture, allowing students to experience the marvellous integration of chemistry and traditional culture. Through experiments involving rouge, tea art, fireworks, bronze refining, tie-dye, and other traditional crafts, students explored the chemical mysteries within Chinese traditional skills. This series of experiments not only ignited students' strong interest in chemistry but also deepened their love for traditional culture. By participating in these delightful experiments, students seemed to travel through time, experiencing how ancient sages applied chemical principles in daily life. In the "Chemistry on the Palate – Traditional Food" segment, students gained a profound understanding of the scientific mysteries behind food production by personally making old yogurt. This activity not only enriched students' culinary experiences but also helped them deeply understand the scientific secrets embedded in food preparation. Student clubs revealed the magic of chemistry in traditional cuisine, seamlessly combining ancient recipes with modern scientific knowledge.

Application of Knowledge in Fun Games – Interactive Exhibits for Teachers and Students

The Bubble Blowing Competition was one of many entertaining activities. Students participated in bubble-blowing contests, showcasing the joy and innocence of childhood by preparing their unique bubble solutions. The creation of bubble solutions cleverly incorporated common household items, allowing students to learn more about chemistry in a playful manner. The formula for bubble solution using common household items included dish soap or detergent, water, sugar, and other additives such as table salt and cooking oil, creating a durable and stable bubble solution. The interesting challenge of seizing electrons provided teachers and students with an active interactive platform, allowing them to exercise and apply their knowledge of chemistry through games. These two gaming segments not only allowed students to learn more in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere but also promoted interaction and communication between teachers and students.

Under the careful organization of the Chemistry Department and student clubs, the entire Chemistry Festival was not only an academic feast but also a stage showcasing students' comprehensive literacy and innovative abilities. This event not only promoted students' in-depth learning in the subject area, but also cultivated their abilities in teamwork, organization, and planning, laying a solid foundation for the future development of student clubs. Through diverse forms of activities, the Chemistry Festival successfully demonstrated the marvellous integration of Chinese culture and chemistry. The hosting of the Chemistry Festival not only provided students with a richer subject experience but also, in the intersection of academia and culture, awakened new perceptions of traditional culture. This is just the beginning; in the future, through more innovation and interdisciplinary studies, the magnificence of traditional culture and chemical knowledge will be further developed, and more students will find a future in the vast world of chemistry, shining like stars!

(Written by Min Yang Pictures by Hao Sun Reviewed by Qian Zuo)