On July 1st, the 2nd YWIES Lingang Science Festival concluded successfully! On this day, the campus transformed into a paradise of science and creativity. From magical microbial paintings to exciting drone bowling, from cool liquid nitrogen ice cream to creative leaf hammer printing... Let’s take a look back at this grand feast where science and art perfectly blended! 

Morning Session: The Amazing Science Show by Dr. Christopher Hurley 

The Science Festival kicked off with the spectacular science show presented by Dr. Christopher Hurley! 

Dr. Hurley brought an exciting science performance to the students of YWIES Lingang Primary and Secondary School. At the opening, he performed a magical act using a color-changing indicator. When students blew bubbles into the mysterious liquid, it miraculously changed colors, eliciting bursts of amazement from the audience. 

The second act was the hydrogen balloon explosion. Brave student volunteers eagerly stepped on stage, tasked with igniting the energy-filled hydrogen balloons using open flames and lasers. The entire audience held their breath, waiting for the moment of the hydrogen combustion. 

Next, Dr. Hurley presented a stunning “fire and ice” demonstration. After witnessing the hydrogen explosion, students enjoyed the extraordinary spectacle created by liquid nitrogen. A rose dipped into liquid nitrogen instantly shattered like glass, and the extreme cold of the liquid nitrogen combined with boiling water produced a cloud effect reminiscent of a celestial palace. 

The fascinating experimental phenomena and unexpected scientific principles amazed all teachers and students, filling the venue with laughter and awe, igniting enthusiasm for a day of scientific exploration! We thank Dr. Hurley for bringing this magical science show to our students. 

Afternoon Session: Top Ten Scientific Hands-On Activities, Creating Infinite Possibilities! 

1.Peking University Science and Innovation Project — "The Magical Microbial Paintbrush" 

With academic support from the East China Institute of Life Sciences at Peking University, the teaching team from Jiyin Creation, a Peking University alumni company, guided students in creating “Magic Microbial Paintings” at the Science Fair. The teachers prepared in advance four colors of genetically engineered bacteria—red, green, purple, and white—along with culture media, markers, and sealing tape. 

After gaining a basic understanding of genetic engineering principles and mastering the fundamental technique of plating in biological experiments, the students embarked on their own creative journey. They first sketched their designs on the underside of petri dish lids using markers, then carefully painted patterns on the culture media with different colored bacterial solutions. Each stroke had to be completed in one go, followed by professional sealing. With their artworks ready, the students eagerly awaited the microbial growth and image formation after 24 hours. Thus, painting art and microbiology converge here—small life, great wonders. 

*Science Fact: Synthetic biology is one of the industries of the future. It combines biotechnology, mathematics, computer science, and other disciplines, with broad application prospects in energy, food, materials, agriculture, and more! 

2.Creative Workshop Series Activities 

• Leaf Hammer Printing: Transferring the natural textures of plant leaves onto fabric by hammering. 

• Badge Production: Design your own exclusive science commemorative badge 

• Creative Cup/Card Making: Science + Art = Practical everyday items 

• Magic Circuit: A fascinating experience of making paper "conduct electricity" 

• Magic Shrink Plastic: Witness the amazing process of material deformation under heat 

3.Cool Science Experiences 

• Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream: The ultimate treat at -196°C 

• Invisible Ink: Unveiling the secrets of chemical development 

• Drone Display: The exciting fusion of technology and sports 

• Underwater Robots: Exploring the mysteries of deep-sea technology 

4.Student Science Project Exhibition: A Burst of Creative Ideas! 

The grand finale of the Science Festival is the student-led science project showcase. These projects fully demonstrate: 

• Innovative problem-solving skills 

• Application and reflection of scientific knowledge 

• Seamless teamwork and collaboration 

• The perfect blend of creativity and practicality 

Each exhibition booth tells a story of scientific exploration, and every project embodies the spark of team wisdom! 

At this year’s science fair, the STEM Elective Classes proudly showcased an exciting range of innovative projects for Grades 6 through 8. Grade 6 students explored creative technology by building Makey Makey game controllers, sparking hands-on learning about circuits and interactivity. Grade 7 students demonstrated ingenuity with an automatic plant watering machine, integrating sensors and solar power to promote sustainable solutions. Grade 8 students took on game development using GDevelop, designing engaging digital experiences while honing their coding skills. Additionally, all three grades contributed to advanced projects including the Arduino Otto robot, which brought robotics and engineering to life, and the DeepSpeak AI voice English tutor chip, highlighting cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence in education. Together, these projects reflect the YWIES Lingang STEM Elective course commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and practical tech skills across multiple disciplines.  

Student STEM Innovation — 3D Sustainable Park Project 

Students from the middle school STEM program presented their 3D Sustainable Park project. The team members had clear roles and worked collaboratively. They began by researching real-life park designs to define their design goals and criteria, covering aspects such as clean energy, multifunctional use, entertainment, and education. Based on these principles, the students brainstormed and sketched the park layout. Then, some team members programmed a 3D simulation of the park, while others built a physical model. Through their joint efforts, they showcased a comprehensive design concept and project process to the audience, featuring an impressive 3D programming demonstration of the park’s dynamic operation alongside a realistic physical model. The students’ creativity was fresh and left a lasting impression. 

YWIES Lingang Science Festival is not just an event; it is an awakening of scientific thinking and a spark for innovation. When microbes become paintbrushes, circuits come alive on paper, and drones transform into bowling players... we witness the boundless possibilities born from the fusion of science and art! 

YWIES Lingang upholds the school motto of "Allying with Technology," and the Science Festival is a vivid embodiment of this philosophy. Through a wide variety of science projects and hands-on activities, students not only delve deeply into scientific principles but also combine innovative thinking with practical application, cultivating the skills and qualities needed for future leaders in technology. The Science Festival inspires every Yew Wah student to embrace technology, dare to innovate, and join hands with science to create a better future. 

We look forward to more YWIES students bravely exploring the path of science and creating the future! See you all at the next Science Festival!