Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) held a science popularization summer camp on horticulture on June 28, giving students a hands-on look at plant science, agricultural research and the links between science and daily life.

The program was organized by the National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops as well as the national science popularization education base at HZAU’s College of Horticulture & Forestry Sciences.

Twenty-three students from 11 schools, including HZAU’s affiliated school, Wuhan Foreign Languages School, Hubei Shuiguohu Senior High School and Wuhan Hongshan Senior High School, joined the one-day event.

Designed to combine science education, labor education and education about Chinese aesthetics, the camp used laboratory platforms and teaching resources to turn research into experience.

Students engaged in six activities, including science display boards, floral creation, traditional tea art, plant microscopy, vegetable grafting and the sensory evaluation of horticultural products.

Qu Xiaolu, a researcher and director of the public platform office of the national key laboratory, introduced the development of horticulture and its research directions and industrial value. She encouraged students to keep their scientific curiosity alive by observing nature and exploring life.

Xu Qiang, director of the national key laboratory and dean of the College of Horticulture & Forestry Sciences, said the lab will continue opening research resources to young people and building a bridge between scientific innovation and public education for students and the public.

Students take part in a horticulture science popularization camp at HZAU. [Photo/new.hzau.edu.cn]