Highlights in East Campus

As the traditional and popular program, chemistry activity site attracted tons of kids like all the years before. The volunteers presented interesting and distinctive experiments such as where bubble gum is going, red cabbage has colorful life, how to use mist spray to draw, elephant toothpaste, angry cola and so on. Under the guidance of the volunteers, kids were so excited to do those experiments by themselves. “ See, I can do magic! I make my name appear!” said by a little girl who held a piece of paper with her name on it to her mom. “I thought red cabbage is just ugly purple monster, I’ve never known that it has so many colors inside” Another boy was shocked by the truth he just saw. Visitors were encouraged to experience more interesting experiments by earning different stamps. Two boys showed their trophies to the journalist with happy smiles on the face.

Press of USTC and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale

Both the Press of USTC and Hefei national laboratory for physical sciences at the microscale are the newly added scientific popularization spots, but aroused extensive attention. The press held a butterfly exhibition which includes approximately a hundred rare species of butterfly in Anhui. A new book called “Butterfly of Anhui” was lanched on the same day. The press president made a speech to congratulate the publication of the book and the authors also exchanged their writing experiences with the audiences. Little girls are the fans of beautiful butterflies, a girl even didn’t let her mom go to other scientific spots, just standing there to watch butterflies and never getting bored. Quantum satellite seems too enigmatic to understand, however, the science festival offered an opportunity to get to know the mysterious high-tech. Many visitors said even though they still couldn’t understand the principles, at least they got the real image of the quantum satellite and knew what it is for, they’re proud of our country's scientific and technological development.　 

Chinese Academy of Science Key Astronomy Lab

Scientists are curious about the vast outer space all the time, so do kids. Cannot look at the bright sun directly? Don’t worry, it’s a problem any more when comes to the astronomical telescope at the astronomy spot. Visitors waited in line just for a glance of the sun by naked eyes. “It is so cool to see the outline of the sun so clearly”, said by a visitor. Actually it’s the filter put in front of the lens that blocks most sunshine so that people can look at the sun directly.

USTC History Museum

As a place of historical sedimentation, the museum helps visitors to get to know the development process of USTC. Letters written by Xuesen Qian, a very famous Chinese scholar also one of the founders of USTC remains well-preserved in the museum. Kids wrote on the visitors’ book after visiting the museum saying they will study harder and come to USTC in the future. They also wrote they came in high spirits and returned after thoroughly enjoying themselves. 

Highlights in West Campus

 National Synchrotron Radiation Lab 

The synchrotron radiation source owned by the lab is a key national lab research platform and currently the only large-scale science facility in Chinese universities. Thus this national lab has attracted many visitors to witness its majesty. A profound yet easily understandable introduction guide, sophisticated and magnificent equipment, and extreme exquisite models raised gasps of admiration. Parents taking their children on campus tours left with a resolve to set this university as the goal for their children’s scholastic efforts. 

Key National Fire Science Lab

For years, the national key fire science lab has been crowded with visitors and this year is no exception. Upon arrival, they moved directly to the fire tornado project, and took photos and videos with cellphones before the experiment starts. A hush fell, and operators started the demonstration: fire started to burn in the experiment tower, then the flame spiralled up in an ever more violent fashion as it snaked skyward. The swirling flames not only lightened up eyes, but sparked scientific curiosity within young minds. 

Science Popularization station of the Micro-Nano Research and Manufacturing Center

Why doesn't ice collect on a penguin’s body? Why does the lotus stay so pristine as it rises from the unsightly mire? What makes conchs masters of cementation? The launch of the Science Popularization Station of Micro-Nano Research unveiled the mysteries of nature. Through video demonstration, on-site Q&A, and eye-catching displays, people were encouraged to grasp a preliminary understanding of Micro-Nano research and manufacturing, as scientific investigation deepened its relevance among a wider audience.

In addition to wonderful and exciting activitiesprovided, warm and patient student volunteers, as well as knowledgeable student narrators, left a deep and lasting impression with us. Despite the scorching rays of the sun, volunteers took the trouble to lead the way and keep order on site, even during their break. Student narrators explained the principles and answered the questions presented to them for passels of visitors. Though they had a parched mouth and scorched tongue, and were exhausted both in mind and body, they still greeted every visitor with enthusiasm. All of the efforts they put forth were aimed at creating a favorable environment to give visitors the best visiting experience. The goal of USTC, which enjoys the reputation of being the “cradle of scientific and technological talent” is not only to cultivate scientific and technological talent, but also to train young talent, encouraging the full development and international competitiveness, in order to provide the country with a large number of people who are to be the pillars of society.

The USTC science Festival runs every year lasting two days and is presented by the university institutions. It’s a festival open to the regular public to popularize science and humanistic knowledge on chemistry, physics, biology, astronomy, history and so on.

(Reported by CHEN Xiaofeng at East Campus and LIU Ziyu at West Campus in USTC)