On November 16, the College of Materials Science and Engineering hosted four interactive science popularization activities at Open Day of X-Lake Forum. The activities successfully hosted over 130 teachers and students from different school, include Primary School of Nanshan School Attached to Beijing Normal University, Experimental School of Harbin Institute of Technology in Shenzhen, and Shenzhen Nanshan Yangguang Primary School. Learning through play and understanding through doing, the students experienced the wonders of materials science with lively atmosphere.
The "So-dium and Zinc-tastic!" activity served as a vivid introductory lesson on energy. Under the guidance of Teacher Wang Chenchen, the students learned how zinc ions run between the positive and negative electrodes to generate an electric current. The students transformed into little energy engineers, and cheers filled the lab when small light bulbs lighting up powered by their own creations.
At the "Mechanics Magician" activity led by Teacher Zhuang Juncheng, students gathered intently around the universal material testing machine. Witnessing metal specimens gradually elongate, become thinner under tensile force, and finally break with a crisp sound drew gasps of amazement from the students. The demonstration of material deformation revealed the delicate balance between strength and plasticity, and inspired real-world material applications—a bridge connecting materials science to everyday life.
Guided by Teacher Luo Junxuan, the "Microscopic Explorer" activity became one of the most popular activities. Students operating the scanning electron microscope o to observe the microscopic structures of everyday items like sucrose, table salt, and even hairs. A student gazing at the images exclaimed, "It feels like stepping into a sci-fi world! Such beautiful scenes were hidden on the surface of materials!"
Teacher Zeng Yuxiang's "3D Dream Factory" activity was buzzing with creative sparks. From modeling to the printing, students watched their personalized badge gradually take shape in the 3D printer. A student held up a freshly printed piece and said, "This is a magical process of turning imagination into reality!"
This event was overseen by five teachers—Wang Dagang, Luo Junxuan, Zeng Yuxiang, Zhuang Juncheng, and Wang Chenchen—with assistance from four student volunteers. All activities combined explanation with hands-on practice to ensure deep engagement for every participant. This immersive science popularization activity effectively showcased the college's research achievements in materials science and successfully sparked scientific curiosity among the young attendees. The activity received high praise from the organizers, teachers, and students alike, demonstrating the College's commitment to public science education and community service.
Editor: Wang Dagang
Reviewers: Ye Woruo, Zhu Deliang, Lv Qian
