Activity Week: Shanghai STEM Tour

During Activity Week, AISHK students had an incredible time exploring the vibrant city of Shanghai. Our experiences were nothing short of amazing. We visited factories, had architectural tours, interacted with new and future technologies, and ate a lot of delicious food! 

The trip began with a visit to the Shanghai Formula 1 Circuit, where we got a firsthand look at the thrilling world of motorsports. This was followed by an exploration of the Baidu R&D Park, where we learned about the evolution of autonomous vehicles. A leisurely stroll down Nanjing Road allowed us to soak in the bustling atmosphere of one of Shanghai's most famous streets. The day concluded with a delightful dinner and a river cruise, offering stunning views of Shanghai's iconic skyline. 

We had the opportunity to visit various factories, including one where we saw how physics, chemistry, and engineering come together to create complex filtration systems for transportation (including Formula 1 cars)! We also learned about the business side of STEM, with a talk on entrepreneurship and business management theory. The West Bund Arts Centre and the Shanghai Astronomy Museum were also on our itinerary, providing a mix of cultural and scientific enrichment. We were excited about a visit to the brand-new Shanghai Greenhouse Garden, an architectural marvel. 

One of the architectural highlights of the tour was a visit to Xintiandi, a new mixed-use development in Shanghai. We received an in-depth presentation on the development from the lead architect, which was very inspiring, as it brought our school theories to life, particularly in Business Studies & Management, Geography, Economics, and Design & Technology. We also very much enjoyed the free time given to explore Xintiandi. 

During our trip, we immersed ourselves in the rich culture of Shanghai and indulged in its amazing food. We savored traditional dishes like hotpot and Xiao Long Bao, experiencing the city's culinary heritage firsthand. One of the highlights was attending the ERA show, an acrobatics performance that left us in awe with its stunning feats. Additionally, we celebrated a student's birthday in a unique way, with a birthday cake delivered to her room by a robot, adding a modern twist to our cultural exploration. 

Overall, our trip to Shanghai was an unforgettable experience filled with learning, cultural exploration, and memorable moments. From visiting cutting-edge research facilities and factories to enjoying the city's culinary delights and stunning performances, we gained valuable insights and created lasting memories. 

Report by Christina Carini, Secondary Teacher, Head of TAS (7-12)