Making all the difference

Thanks to the support of the local government and public service organizations, the county's primary schools have established labs for students to carry out science experiments and many have even purchased equipment to teach science knowledge beyond the syllabus.

"It's important to ensure that students in such rural areas have access to learning, such as how to build model airplanes, design robots and join the 'maker' movement, just like their peers in big cities," says Niu Xiejun, a science teacher from Baishuichuan Primary School.

"When they enter society, they will have the confidence and ability to tackle challenges with both courage and insight."

In 2019, Longnan city started to hold an annual "maker" education contest for primary and middle school students, to stimulate the spirit of innovation and improve science literacy of students.

It offers a platform for the county's primary schools to showcase their science course achievements.

Under the guidance of Niu and other teachers, the students have won prizes at county, city and provincial level competitions.