The 27th Primary STEAM Project Exhibition held to inspire future innovators on sustainable development

The Department of Science and Environmental Studies (SES) and the Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD), with the support from other co-orgnisers, hosted the 27th Primary STEAM Project Exhibition (PSPE) on 8 May at the Hong Kong Central Library. Over 1,000 primary school students and teachers from across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area attended the exhibition.

The exhibition themed “Climate Change on Air Quality and Soil” was designed to cultivate critical thinking skills in students, so they may explore the relationship between the climate, the environment and human health, and understand sustainable development from a young age. Some 180 projects showcasing students’ research efforts in addressing the impact of climate change on air quality and soil conditions were presented at the exhibition.

Participants worked in either “Inquiry” or “Invention” groups, integrating scientific knowledge and STEAM education in Hong Kong to explore these interconnected challenges and propose innovative solutions. They also looked at how to raise public awareness of climate change and environment protection.

Dr Li Wai-chin, chairperson of the exhibition organising committee, noted the vital role education plays in tackling global climate challenges and emphasised that educators have a responsibility to promote environment awareness and sustainable development among students. “EdUHK is deeply committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in providing quality education, promoting health and well-being, and supporting climate action. This exhibition underscores the commitment and showcases the talent and dedication of our students,” he said.

Dr Sarah Lee Hoi-man, co-chairperson of the committee, highlighted the exhibition’s role in fostering creativity and environmental consciousness. “This event serves as a valuable medium that has sparked learning and provided a platform for transforming ideas into innovative solutions for improving air quality and soil health,” she explained.

A distinguished judging panel consisting of professionals and science education experts evaluated and selected outstanding projects for various award categories, including “Adjudicator Awards” and “Outstanding Achievement Awards”. The four participating schools which received Adjudicator Awards were St. Francis’ Canossian School, C. & M.A Chui Chak Lam Memorial School, Hoi Pa Street Government Primary School, and S.K.H. Chu Yan Primary School.

In the inquiry group, St. Francis’ Canossian School explored how the arrangement of buildings at different heights can reduce the accumulation of air pollutants. C. & M.A Chui Chak Lam Memorial School explored methods to reduce methane emissions from cattle and sheep to improve air quality.

In the invention group, Hoi Pa Street Government Primary School developed a soil monitor for its health and moisture conditions in real-time during extreme weather conditions. Meanwhile, S.K.H. Chu Yan Primary School developed a soil sensor that leverages artificial intelligence technology to monitor and track its quality change in real time.

Besides SES and CESD, co-organisers of the event included Chief Executive’s Award for Teaching Excellence Teachers Association, Education Bureau, Hong Kong Association for Science and Mathematics Education, Hong Kong Education City, Hong Kong Science Museum, the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education, and TechEd Centre of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers.

The videos showing the inquiry processes submitted by teams are available on the PSPE website.