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Harvard Global Finals:
Exploring the World Through Real-World Challenges
At the Harvard Global Finals, SMCS students underwent a comprehensive and rigorous academic journey.
The First Lesson of Academic Inspiration
*Image source: CTB Official
At the opening ceremony, Harvard evolutionary biologist Professor Andrew Berry encouraged students to pursue interdisciplinary research and knowledge creation. Additionally, Harvard Graduate School of Education Professor Nancy Sommers conducted a masterclass on transforming passion projects into compelling personal narratives.
48-Hour Academic Hackathon
Centering on the theme "Learning from Nature: Applying Biomimicry to Solve Practical Problems on the Harvard Campus," teacher Xin Yuxiang led students Jenny, Yvonne, and Harry in taking on this challenge during an intense 48-hour period.
During this period, they conducted field research at the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Arnold Arboretum. They also attended academic workshops on topics such as "How to Observe Nature," "Human-Computer Interfaces," "Green Buildings," and "Psychological Behavioral Mechanisms," engaging in practical, interdisciplinary learning.
At the Harvard Science Center, which houses the world's first computer, the SMCS team presented their Project Expo poster exhibition to the vibrant Harvard academic community, ultimately advancing to the Team Showcase final defense stage.
Facing a diverse panel of judges from top institutions like Harvard, MIT, Yale, and Princeton, as well as leading global venture capital and non-profit organizations, the students stood on the Harvard stage in formal attire to present their academic proposals.
A notable part of the trip was the presentation by SMCS TEAM. Through their rigorous scientific approach, the team completed the "CTB Global Finalists" challenges and received honorary certificates. Moving forward, they are invited to submit their paper to academic journals for professional peer-review and editing.
The students' rigorous research methodology and problem-solving abilities on this global stage are a direct result of the SMCS PBL Pathfinder Program's daily focus on cultivating interdisciplinary critical thinking, scientific inquiry methods, and teamwork.
For SMCS mentor Xin Yuxiang, who accompanied the students to Harvard, this overseas academic journey was also an invaluable teaching experience:
Reflections from Mentor Xin Yuxiang:
This Harvard trip allowed me to witness firsthand the transformation of our students during real-world PBL practices. They expressed themselves courageously, dared to make breakthroughs, and showed immense creativity, demonstrating the infinite possibilities of project-based learning. Education is a journey of mutual growth. Being immersed in Harvard's academic atmosphere and engaging deeply with fellow educators has not only deepened my understanding of cutting-edge educational philosophies but also inspired me to continue cultivating PBL teaching, guiding more students to explore actively and shine in practice.
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This epitomizes the "mutual growth of teaching and learning" championed by the SMCS PBL curriculum: through real-world projects, students become active explorers, while teachers grow into guides of scientific innovation. This mutual development expands the school's educational vision and allows the seeds of scientific innovation to take deep root in the minds of both teachers and students.
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Innovation Rooted in Daily Life:
Patent Achievements of the PBL Pathfinder Program
In addition to success in academic arenas, the SMCS PBL Pathfinder Patent Course has achieved exciting milestones in daily research and practice.
Dedicated to making patent education accessible to all, the SMCS Patent Program guides students through "AI Empowerment × Practical Innovation × Patent Commercialization" to expand their creativity, meet design standards, and build research capabilities. To date, many design patents jointly developed by SMCS teachers and students have been officially submitted and accepted.
Preview of Joint Patent Designs
*Note: These are partial patent design renderings. To protect the designers' privacy and ensure compliance with patent application confidentiality requirements, the relevant images have been blurred.
Designed for various mobile grooming scenarios, such as daily commutes and outdoor activities.
An automatic irrigation system integrating renewable energy and environmental sensing technologies, suitable for green ecological management in specific areas or micro-farms.
A lighting fixture design focused on ergonomics and spatial aesthetics, aimed at enhancing comfort in study and office environments.
Includes a foldable, layered desktop organizer and an eco-friendly, leak-proof straw cap, designed to enhance daily and travel experiences.
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These everyday micro-innovations represent the hard work of both teachers and students. While respecting patent confidentiality, we are pleased to share a preview of the projects below.
Conclusion
Nurturing Growth,
Believing in the Future of Our Youth
From Harvard academic honors to practical patent applications, the SMCS "PBL Pathfinder Program" continues to foster the growth of both teachers and students.
These patent applications mark a meaningful step toward scientific innovation and intellectual property commercialization. We look forward to our students' continued success as they maintain their curiosity and contribute to addressing global issues.
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