The First Luosuo River Education Forum opened at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) on August 11. With the theme of “Innovation and cooperation – seeking new ways of science education”, the forum brought together over 100 representatives nationwide. The forum provides a platform for interested people to share ideas and information on science education, environmental education, and case studies.

　　Prof. Chen Jin, director of XTBG, delivered an opening speech. He said that science education was related to the community of scientists. There are many conflicts and arguments on science education: who and what to teach? To disseminate knowledge or means? What’s the relationship between science education and environmental education?  How to carry out science education in the era of new media? At the First Luosuo River Education Forum, nationwide colleagues are expected to brainstorm and seek answers,Representatives of other organizing institutes also expressed their ideas at the forum.

　　The topics of the forum include:

　　1) New trend of national science education policies;

　　2) Public science and biodiversity conservation;

　　3) Science education and inquiry-based learning;

　　4) Effects of new media in science communication;

　　5) Face nature-deficit disorder: nature education and nature appreciation.

　　Dr.  Joe E. Heimlich of COSI Research and Evaluation Center of USA was invited to preent a keynote speech. With the title of “Redefining and refining environmental education: exploring the meaning of environmental education in the 21st century”, he introduced how international science educators are trying to find a unified definition and understanding of the field.

　　The First Luosuo River Education Forum was sponsored jointly by CAS Bureau of Science Communication, Department of Policy & Regulations at Ministry of Science and Technology, and Chinese Union of Botanic Gardens (CUBG). It’s organized by XTBG.

　　The Forum will last from August 11 to 13.

Representatives pose a photo.

Representatives have discussion