The Hong Kong government announced Thursday that their students had won three bronze medals at the Third International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

 

It was the first time Hong Kong had participated. This year's IJSO was held from December 3-12 and 180 scientifically gifted middle school students from 31 countries and regions including South Korea, India, Russia, Germany, UK, Brazil and Nigeria were invited to participate in a science quiz.

 

The syllabus for the IJSO was adapted from International Baccalaureate Program for 15-year-old students covering Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The competition comprised one multiple-choice test and theoretical and experimental examinations.

 

The Hong Kong team was prepared by the Gifted Education Section, Curriculum Development Institute, Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB). The Faculty of Science, the University of Hong Kong was commissioned for the IJSO Student Training from July to November. The training was to help students develop their potential in science.

 

The team comprised those who were the best performers in a local science competition, Hong Kong Budding Scientists Awards (2005-2006), organized by the Gifted Education Section, EMB, Hong Kong Association for Science and Mathematics Education and other education institutions.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 22, 2006)