Volunteers from the Museum of Hydrobiological Sciences  introduced the deep-sea snailfish specimen (Pseudoliparis swirei) to the students. (Credit: IHB)

Students at Shuiguohu No.1 Primary School in Wuhan got a hands-on introduction to the wonders of science on November 1, 2024 during the 7th Science Festival of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Dubbed the “Wuhan Special Event,” the festival featured interactive exhibits and activities designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for discovery. 

The booths of the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences were a crowd favorite in the "Science Up Close" segment, where students explored fascinating aquatic life. Highlights included a deep-sea snailfish specimen (Pseudoliparis swirei), a Yangtze finless porpoise model, and wild zebrafish exhibits. Young attendees were eager to learn from IHB volunteers, who shared insights into marine biology, ecological conservation, and the role of zebrafish in scientific research.

Exploring the Deep: Volunteers explained how the Mariana snailfish thrives under extreme pressure in the ocean’s depths, captivating students with stories of life far beneath the waves.

Conserving Biodiversity: Through models and creative displays, students learned about the Yangtze finless porpoise and the importance of protecting this endangered species.

Biology Meets Fun: A zebrafish trivia game gave students a chance to test their knowledge while learning about the species’ crucial role in genetics and medical research. 

The festival, launched by CAS in 2018, is an annual celebration of science aimed at connecting the public with cutting-edge research. This year’s main event was held in Beijing, but the Wuhan Special Event brought a local flair by combining science with art and culture. 

With hands-on exhibits, face-to-face interactions with scientists, and engaging activities, the festival gave young minds a glimpse of how science shapes the world and inspired them to imagine their own futures in discovery and innovation.

Volunteers from the China Zebrafish Resource Center gave students a zebrafish trivia game to test their knowledge while learning about the species’ crucial role in genetics and medical research. (Credit: IHB)

Volunteers from the Baiji Dolphinarium presented the students with a Yangtze finless porpoise model. (Credit: IHB)