To thoroughly implement the objectives outlined in the China National Program for Child Development (2021-2030) and to effectively carry out Jiangsu Province’s Implementation Plan for Promoting Child-Friendly City Development as well as the Implementation Plan for Building a Child-Friendly City in Wuxi, the Women’s Federation of Xishan District has taken proactive steps to launch the child-friendly parent-child science education initiative, “Expanding Horizons with Science.”

Targeting families with children aged 5 to 12, the program centers around the theme of “creating a public science class for childhood.” By leveraging local social resources, the project integrates inspiring, immersive, and inquiry-based science experiences, establishing a distinctive parent-child science education service system unique to Xishan District.

Since its inception in 2024, the program has unfolded like a dazzling scientific feast, offering nine engaging and knowledge-rich science events for families within Xishan District. The activities have attracted more than 350 participants, combining education and entertainment to ignite a passion for science among young minds.

Embracing Curiosity: Embarking on a Journey of Discovery

With “Life Sciences: Exploring the Beauty of Life” as its annual science education theme, the program aligns with children’s natural curiosity and cognitive development. It bridges scientific concepts with real-world applications, transitioning from individual organisms to ecosystems. Through innovative content and diverse formats, the activities focus on a core model of “field visits + science classes + hands-on crafting,” enhanced by interactive games and experimental exploration. These experiences help children understand the world of life, enabling them to learn joyfully and grow meaningfully.

• “All Things Grow” guides children to sow fruits and vegetables, allowing them to experience the wonder of plant growth firsthand.
• “The Magic of Plant Pigments” engages children in extracting natural colors and using them to create colorful mooncakes, unveiling the artistry of nature’s palette.
• “DNA: The Designer of Life” introduces children to constructing DNA models, gradually revealing the mysteries of genetic codes.
• “The Factory Within Us” takes children on a journey inside the human body to explore the unique functions and coordination of organs, showcasing the intricate design of living systems.
• “The Body’s Traffic Hub” teaches heart-saving first aid techniques while highlighting the heart’s vital role as the body’s pump, fostering a deep appreciation for life and health.
• “Secrets of the Oral Kingdom” sparks awareness of oral health through hands-on activities like creating tooth molds and toothpaste, encouraging children to cherish their smiles.
• “The Hidden Stories of Packaging” opens the door to food science, guiding children to uncover the scientific details behind food packaging.
• “Inspired by Biomimicry” invites children to unleash their creativity in a bionic bird competition, exploring the elegance of biomimicry in design.
• “The Incredible New Limbs” offers a heartfelt exploration of assistive technologies, emphasizing the warmth of accessibility innovations while promoting values of care and respect.

This diverse lineup of activities brings science to life, nurturing a passion for discovery and a deeper understanding of the living world in young learners.

Parent-Child Bonding: Shaping a Bright Future Together

The “Expanding Horizons with Science” initiative prioritizes not only children’s personal growth but also the active participation of families. By broadly recruiting families from the community and offering exclusive sessions tailored for families in science parks and those with members with disabilities, the project champions the concept of inclusive education.

During the activities, parents and children explore, learn, and create together, fostering stronger emotional bonds while planting the seeds of scientific curiosity in the fertile soil of the family environment. This collaborative parent-child learning approach successfully extends science education from the classroom into the home, cultivating a far-reaching, child-friendly ecosystem for science education.

Through this integrated model, the program strengthens family connections and creates opportunities for science to flourish within every household, paving the way for a smarter, more connected future.

Collaborative Engagement: Weaving a Network of Science Education

The Women’s Federation of Xishan District has effectively integrated local resources by collaborating with multiple departments, including the District Office for Spiritual Civilization Development, the District Market Supervision Bureau, the District Association for Science and Technology, and the District Federation for the Disabled. Based on the unique characteristics of various activities, the federation actively expanded venues and organized parent-child families to participate in science education and study programs at diverse locations such as the Xishan District Library, Xishan Metro Membership Store, Jiangsu Xidong High School, Jiulihe Wetland Park, Ruitai Tongshan Dental Hospital, Mantianongyu Sky Farm, China Electronics (Wuxi) Digital Chip Valley Park, and the Xishan District Comprehensive Service Center for the Disabled.

From libraries to schools, countryside parks to technology hubs, the wide range of open and collaborative venues created abundant learning environments and practical opportunities for children. To ensure the professionalism and scientific rigor of the activities, the project also invited experts, including doctors, social workers, and teachers, to participate in its implementation.

By fostering partnerships, the Women’s Federation of Xishan District has united diverse forces to establish a warm and friendly science education network for parent-child families, providing robust support for child-friendly science education initiatives.

Fruitful Results: Building a Path of Growth Together

As the project concludes, we are delighted to see that the children’s scientific literacy has significantly improved. Their interest in science has deepened, and their spirit of exploration has grown stronger. Parents have also expressed that through participation in the project, their children not only gained a wealth of scientific knowledge and broadened their horizons but, more importantly, learned how to think critically, collaborate effectively, and create innovatively. These achievements will have a profound impact on the children’s future development.

Moving forward, the Women’s Federation of Xishan District will continue to uphold the concept of “Child-Friendly + Science Popularization” and provide more high-quality child-friendly science education services for parent-child families.