On September 2, 2023, the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) officially opened its curtains. As one of the nine key topics of the CIFTIS, the education service sector hosted the 15th "Museum-School Integration • Science Education" Forum, which commenced at 9:00 AM on September 4 at the Beijing Planetarium, setting a beautiful stage for this significant event.
This forum was organized by the China Research Institute for Science Popularization (CRISP), undertaken by the Beijing Association for the Promotion of Science and Technology Education, co-organized by the Beijing Planetarium, and supported by the British Embassy in China. The forum consisted of a main session, roundtable discussions, and workshop activities. Over 200 participants from science museums, universities, primary and secondary schools, educational institutions, and enterprises across the country attended. The opening ceremony was chaired by Dr. Wang Ting, Director of CRISP. Deputy Director Pang Xiaodong of the Department of Popular Science at the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), Inspector Tao Chunmei from the Beijing Municipal Commission of Education, Inspector Zhang Yushan from the Beijing Association for Science and Technology (BAST), and Director Bo Dali from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) China Office each delivered remarks
In the context of enhancing science education under the "double reduction" policy, this forum aimed to explore innovative paths for integrating museum-school cooperation in science education. Focusing on current hot topics in the integration of science and education, it gathered experts and scholars from the fields of science and technology, education, and CAST system. Through an open, inclusive, lively, and dynamic format, the forum attracted attendees to gain a deep understanding of the specifics and innovations of science education and museum-school collaboration. Director Wang Ting of CRISP emphasized that this forum, targeting high-level development of science education in the new era, brought together teachers from science museums and schools, along with science professionals, to discuss how to conduct high-quality museum-school learning under new circumstances. He noted that youth are crucial to enhancing science education, advocating for systematic and in-depth science education both in schools and science museums to improve overall science education standards.
The roundtable discussions were particularly vibrant, addressing the current status, prominent issues, development directions, and methods to enhance the scientific literacy of science teachers within the realm of museum-school integration. Questions such as "How can venues better integrate with schools?", "How can schools improve the scientific literacy of teachers and students through museum-school cooperation?", and "How can science professionals enhance science education?" were actively discussed. Through dialogues among directors of science museums, school principals, and university professors, the charm of innovative museum-school cooperative education models was showcased. Participants engaged in forward-thinking, reshaped their thinking, and freely exchanged ideas to contribute to the development of science education.
Emphasizing education through entertainment and practical engagement, the forum held a series of rich and colorful workshop practices from September 2 to September 6 at the Shougang Park Education Service Special Exhibition Area. These workshops explored topics such as new energy vehicles, aerospace, astronomical innovation, and exploring garden ecology. They allowed attendees to experience the joy of science education through hands-on activities, better understand the benefits of integrating science and education, and cultivate a love for science among young people.