The 9th Science Festival for the Youth of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) was held on November 2-3. More than 3,000 teachers and students from 8 primary and secondary schools in Xishuangbanna and visitors took part in the on-site activities. In addition, this event attracted nearly 4,000 online participants through live streaming, exploring the charm of life science together.
The theme is “One fig tree, One thriving forest”, as one of the series of scientific activities held across the country during the 7th Science Festival of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Prof. Chen Jin, former director of XTBG, delivered an opening speech. He pointed out that the science festival is to allow more young people to have direct contact and interaction with scientists, thereby igniting their interest in science and pursuing their dreams of becoming scientists. Meanwhile, it encourages young researchers who participate in the "science booth" to continue their enthusiasm for science communication and education in the future.
A total of 85 fresh scientific stories were collected from over 100 graduate students and young researchers, covering six topics: code of fig trees, past of the earth, rare and distinctive plants, wisdom of survival, conservation and breeding, man and nature.
The most popular activities are fig fruit tastings, fig-wasp system models, rare orchids, pitcher plants, fluted pumpkins, seed dispersal, animal skulls with plants, dung beetle ecosystem tanks, shell fruit DIY ornaments, artistic stickers and hand-drawings, etc.
Based on the interactive display of scientific posters, this Youth Science Festival also specially planned activities such as rainforest science lectures, art guided tours, nature experiences, and a science evening party.
Prof. Peng Yanqiong presented “The timeless pact between figs and fig wasps”. Through images and videos, she showcased to over 200 middle school students the unique natural phenomena of banyan trees, their importance, and the story of the co-evolution of the fig-wasp system, igniting the students' interest in science.
At the science night party, Prof.Yang Yongping, director of XTBG, presented awards to the 6 winning entries and 1 winning organization selected by public voting. The winners are as follows: best popularity award (How much do you know about "Figs"), most popular award (The mysterious "Roof" - biodiversity of the canopy layer), best experience award (Fagaceae paradise: a journey from leaves to fruits), best design award (Do animals also need to popularize the national anti-fraud app?), best creativity award (Mutual benefit: the win-win strategy of scavenger beetles), best interaction award (Southern China karst amphibian and reptile ecosystems), and persistent organization award (Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem Research Station of CAS).
Prof. Chen Jin delivers opening speech.
Participants at the science festival.
Popular science activities
Prof. Peng Yanqiong presents popular science lecture.
