Competition of Gifted Education

Organizer:

Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association   

Korea Science Service

The Hong Kong federation of youth groups

During the summer of 2022, our students embarked on a journey of investigating the possibility of soap production utilising lipase as an alternative to strong alkalis. In the investigation, their efforts focused on enhancing soap yield and purity through the development of a stable emulsion and the application of liquid-liquid extraction techniques. This approach aims to not only mitigate the risks associated with strong alkali usage but also contribute to a more environmentally sustainable process. Collaborating with esteemed professors from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) further enriched our project. Their expertise and guidance proved invaluable, fostering a profound learning experience.

The soap-making journey has inspired our students to push scientific boundaries, making them eager for new discoveries ahead. Despite encountering formidable challenges along the way, the journey was exceptionally gratifying. This experience reinforced their belief that science thrives on exploration and experimentation. The students feel inspired to continue pursuing scientific inquiries and to apply the skills and knowledge gained from this investigation to future projects.

Organizer:

Department of Chemistry & Office of the Provost and Deputy President City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Society of Cosmetic Chemists

In the competition, our students had to use materials given to develop a new hair conditioner formula based on the basic formula provided by the organizer. Moreover, we have to shoot a video and write a scientific report and submit them to the organizer.

Our students have a valuable opportunity to try developing a new formula for hair conditioner. It not only trained our abilities in experimental skills, but also cultivated our innovative thinking and interest in the field of chemistry.

Student's Reflections：

Participating in writing competition can motivate us to develop our writing potential, which is a precious experience in our writing journey and inspires us to move forward and surpass ourselves on the road of writing.

Four Form Four students and four Form Five students participated in the Gifted Bebras Challenge Interscholastic Competition Hong Kong 2023 organized by KPG Education Limited. They were required to apply higher-order thinking skills to solve various challenging mathematical scenarios.

In the competition, students must solve diverse and demanding math problems within a time limit, challenging their math abilities and problem-solving skills. They needed quick thinking to find innovative solutions while maintaining composure under pressure. Teamwork was emphasized, as they collaborated with teammates to analyze problems, share ideas, and discover optimal solutions. This cultivated teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills. Advanced logical thinking patterns were applied to identify problem patterns and utilize logical reasoning for complex math problem-solving. Through critical thinking, students overcame logical hurdles, enhancing their problem-solving and logical thinking abilities. This valuable experience profoundly impacted their learning and personal growth.

The Hong Kong Association for Science and Mathematics Education (HKASME), together with Royal Society of Biology, The Education University of Hong Kong and The University of Hong Kong organized the competition. Four areas of questions were covered to test students’ understanding on Biology. The areas are: (1) Scientific inquiry; (2) Nature of science; (3) STEM Education; and (4) Science, technology, social & environment connection.

This competition was highly challenging as it encompasses various aspects of biological literacy, testing students' understanding of biological concepts and their ability to apply biological knowledge to real-life situations. Unlike school tests or exams that focused on memorizing textbook knowledge, the competition's questions required critical thinking and logical understanding. Students might encounter questions related to biology principles, ecosystems, genetics, molecular biology, and more. They needed to analyze problems from different perspectives, provide reasonable explanations and solutions, and demonstrate strong logical comprehension skills. This competition provided valuable opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities, while applying biological knowledge to real-life contexts. It had a profound impact on their learning and personal growth.

Students conducted two science projects - one was on the feeding behaviour of golden apple snails, and the other was on the replacement of strong alkalis with lipase in soap-making reactions. In the research process, students formulated intriguing investigation questions and designed practical experiments in the laboratory. 

The experience had taught the students that science was about asking questions and discovering new knowledge through scientific methods. Working as a group had also allowed the students to realise the importance of collaboration and communication.

In the competition, students used and developed a new makeup remover formula based on the raw materials and basic formula provided by the organizer and shoot a video including the introduction and production process of the product.

In this competition, students had a valuable opportunity to try developing makeup remover. It was not only trained students abilities in data collection and experimental skills, but also cultivated their innovative thinking and interest in the field of chemistry. 

3 students participated in the 12th University Literary Award (2022-23) organized by Hong Kong Baptist University in order to inspire students' passion for creativity.

Acceptance Speech by HUI KA KA

(Chinese Version Only)

對我而言，文學創作是對於自我的探索。

創作使我尋找到内心的聲音，探索出自己的獨特性；創作使我感知自己的情感，通過作品來表達情緒和想法，更深刻地了解自己；創作使我代入到虛構的故事中，體驗不屬於我的人生經歷，找尋到生命的可能性。

感恩這個世上有文學存在，以及所有曾經或現今創作文學的人。