On 18 and 19 April 2017, over 1,000 of young students (9-16 years old) in Qingdao were fascinated by the wonders of the ocean during a WESTPAC organized event “Bring Marine Science into Schools”. Six selected oceanographers brought to the Experimental Primary School of Shinan District and Qingdao Experimental High School their first-hand experiences of ocean explorations. Together with the marine experts, the students took journeys of ocean discovery from the diversity of underwater lives, sea turtles, corals, Antarctica, birth & extinction of ocean, to hand-on molecular techniques for marine research.

This grand opportunity of direct interactions with regional marine scientists was part of a side event “Bring Marine Science into Schools” at the 10th WESTPAC International Scientific Conference which nearly 800 marine scientists from within and outside the region gathered at Qingdao, 17-20 April 2017, to “advance ocean knowledge and foster sustainable development”.

This side event is the first try of WESTPAC, aiming to reach out to the next generation and inspire their enthusiasm on marine science.

The students and teachers from the schools were thrilled by the amazing stories of marine research and the lively interactions with the experts, while the scientists were impressed by the young-generation expressions of interest, determination and excitement in the ocean science.

WESTPAC would extend its sincerest thanks to the host institute, First Institute of Oceanography, for the excellent arrangements made, and selected scientists for their strong commitments and active engagement. Without these efforts, the event could not have been possible with a great success.