The "Master Class for Children" event was jointly held by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), and the Leading Group for Talent Work of the Kunming Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in the No.1 Middle School of Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County of southwest China's Yunnan Province on April 16.
Under the theme of "Energy for Chasing Light", Yang Deren, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), scientist of semi-conductor materials and professor of Zhejiang University, and Zhou Ying, vice-president of SouthWest Petroleum University, talked with about 600 middle school students about sunlight and solar energy utilization in their separate lectures.
Boundless source of green energy: solar power
Professor Yang related well-known Chinese mythical stories such as Kuafu Pursuing the Sun, Houyi Shooting Down the Nine Suns and Yangsui Gathering Fire from the Sun to explain the principles and technologies for solar power generation. He demonstrated the conversion of sunlight into electricity via photovoltaic panels and the application scenarios of electricity in daily life.
With the display of vivid pictures and living cases, students grasped a deep understanding of the bright future for the solar power and other renewable energies, the richness of solar energy resource in China and the latest development of renewable energy technologies.
Students became extremely excited when they found that there were a cluster of pictures about photovoltaic power station in Mount Sayong and photovoltaic branch pumps in Zhongping of Luquan in the PPT presentation of Professor Yang. These tangible cases helped them further realize that solar energy has not only brought with the green energy but also promoted the development of relevant industries, consolidated the achievements of poverty alleviation campaign and advanced the implementation of rural revitalization drive.
Noting that China has become the largest country in terms of the innovation-driven photovoltaic industry, Professor Yang asked students to stimulate their enthusiasm in science, innovation and renewable energies and devote themselves to the industry in the future.
Uncover the mysteries behind solar energy conversion
"We are facing an 'energy withdrawal crisis' and the Earth's energy 'big candy jar' is not limitless..." With these intriguing analogies, Professor Zhou firmly captivated students' attention. In his lecture, catalysts transformed into "magical elves," creating various synthetic energies with the help of the sun.
Students learned more about the conversion of the solar energy into usable fuels through a series of chemical reactions and the significance of solar synthesis fuels to the diversified energy utilization and environmental conservation.
Professor Zhou cited the motto of SouthWest Petroleum University, which underscores oil exploration for national development, to encourage students to acquire more scientific knowledge, engage in the research of new and green energies as well as the green utilization of traditional energies like oil and natural gas, and even take part in energy exploration on the Mars.
His lecture received warm response from students as well.
Junior listeners become "groupies"
The atmosphere was vibrant as students held warm exchanges with two lecturers during their lectures.
Professor Yang and Zhou responded to students' various questions, which ranged from the installation of photovoltaic panels at mountainous villages to the connection between energy collection and the direction of photovoltaic panel installation, in a move to better meet their longing for scientific knowledge.
"Professor Yang, can you give me an autograph? I will thus become motivated to study harder." "Professor Yang, I also want your autograph," he was quickly surrounded by numerous kids with paper and pens after the conclusion of his lecture. It was unclear which one of them handed to him a notebook and pen.
Although Professor Yang was a little bit tired, yet he still managed to meet their wishes. He said that they were the most enthusiastic junior audience in his life and that they had shown strong passion for science and admiration for scientists and conveyed positive spirit of youth in the new era. In addition, he asked them to love science, acquire knowledge, master skills and make contributions to the country, the society and the family.
"You and other scientists have done a great job by benefiting mankind with energy exploration and utilization. I aspire to be a scientist and follow your step in making contributions to the country and the society when I grow up," said a middle school student after the lecture event.
Nurture future strength for the green energy development
The "Master Class for Children" event in Yunnan has provided local students precious opportunities to hold face-to-face exchanges with renowned scientists. The theme of "Energy for Chasing Light" in this leg event has aligned with Yunnan's development direction in the green energy.
Today, the energy industry has become the largest pillar industry in Yunnan, whose hydropower, solar power and wind resources have injected green development momentum. The province has emerged as a rising green energy powerhouse, requiring more talents to devote to this bright cause.
It is anticipated that the exciting lectures will plant the seed of serving the country with sci-tech endeavor into the heart of those students and rally their strength for the development of the green energy, the hometown and the nation.
Messages from students to scientists
After the "Master Class for Children" event, Professor Yang and Zhou received numerous message cards from attending students.
It is an honor to attend your lecture on solar energy, which impresses me a lot. Sunlight can be found everywhere in our lives, but what mysteries lie within such a common thing? After listening to your explanation, I feel like that I have seen a different world - the world of science! Both your teaching methods and vast knowledge have left a deep impression on me. It is never easy to acquire so much knowledge. Your humorous, vivid and friendly lecture has benefited me much about solar energy utilization. I hope to meet you again in the future. Wish you success in your career and good health, and more contributions to the further development of the science.
--from a student to Academician Yang
I am truly honored to attend this lecture. After learning the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy, I am deeply moved. The familiar 'tool' in our lives that we use so effortlessly actually comes from here. However, I feel baffled by tremendous professional knowledge, which firms up my belief in studying hard and enjoying the happiness of mastering professional knowledge.
--from a student to Academician Yang
You have made huge contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and promoted the exploration of the solar energy to benefit mankind. When I grow up, I want to become a medical scientist who can benefit humanity. I hope to make outstanding contributions to society like you.
--from a student to Professor Zhou
Your lecture is fantastic. I enjoy it very much. I have realized that even renewable energies like natural gas will be depleted one day. We need to help and protect the "little elves" and foster them from "mischievous children" into "solar superheroes". I hope to meet you again. May you shine like the sun in your field.
--from a student to Professor Zhou
