The Faculty of Science and Engineering at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) inspires young scientists from local secondary schools through the “Science and Engineering Fun Days”, to be held on campus from 25 July to 27 July.

The aim of the Fun Days is to introduce to the secondary school students some of the more practical and fascinating facets of scientific knowledge through a range of talks and more than 20 types of experiments.

Through this programme, secondary school students can apply what they have learned in class to real life, appreciate the benefits of modern technologies and experience first-hand CityU’s learning environment and facilities. About 400 Form 4 to 7 students have enrolled.

“We not only provide education to university students, but also organize a series of summer activities for secondary school students as a contribution to the community,” said Professor Henry Chung Shu-hung, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and the coordinator of this event.

“We believe that this programme can boost secondary school students’ interest in science and engineering, and by participating in laboratory experiments they can develop a professional attitude to research and a spirit to overcome difficulties,” he said.

In the programme, students will visit the advanced research facilities in CityU’s Faculty of Science and Engineering labs and will also conduct lab experiments under the guidance of academic staff and student mentors.

The experiments are diversified, ranging from exploring cryptoanalysis, designing an underwater remote-operated vehicle, building a spaghetti bridge, generating a computer 3D image of a human head, making computer-aided animation by simulating body movement, to understanding the physiological ecology of marine invertebrates.

The students will be working within the disciplines of biology and chemistry, building and construction, computer science, electronic engineering, mathematics, manufacturing engineering, and physics and materials science.

In addition, CityU professors will introduce the latest science and engineering knowledge on weather and climate, the structure and mechanism of the mammalian heart, and the preservation of marine fauna.

Participants enjoyed the programmes during the Fun Days very much. “I am glad to have the chance to attend talks and carry out experiments in CityU. It enables me to understand more about the environment of the university and inspires my interest in science,” said Dennis Wong Chun-yiu, Form 4 student of Diocesan Boy’s School.

“The visits to a lot of advanced research facilities have widened my horizons,” said Kwan Chung-yin, Form 6 student of HKTA The Yuen Yuen Institute No.2 Secondary School.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering has also organized a series of other summer activities, including the Project-based Outreach Programme and Student Project Exhibition. These activities help CityU to achieve its mission to promote application-based professional education and enable secondary school students to experience university life.