Learning STEM through human evolution and robotics

Oct 15, 2018

More than 150,000 visitors were drawn to the InnoTech Expo 2018 to get up close and personal with the scientific and technological innovations in Hong Kong and China. The event, organized by Our Hong Kong Foundation and co-organized with China Science and Technology Exchange Center, was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for 10 days starting September 24. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, an ardent supporter of STEM education, took the opportunity to expand primary and secondary school students’ knowledge of life sciences and robotics, and showcase HKUST students’ innovative project.

Among the speakers of popular science talks were Professor King Chow from School of Science and Dr. Tim Woo from School of Engineering. Prof. King’s “Did Homo sapiens evolve from monkeys and apes?” discussed human originals from scientific and critical points of view and also the role of “survival of the fittest” in shaping human evolution. Separately, Dr. Woo taught hundreds of teachers and students to use robots as a novel teaching and learning tool in his talk about “How to use robots to stimulate creative thinking and problem solving skills”.

Apart from HKUST faculty members, two HKUST students took part in the expo by hosting a demonstration session for their music app, Umix Music App, which earned them the Student Innovation Award in the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2018. The founders of the app developed voice-to-MIDI conversion, key signature detection, chord detection and rhythm detection algorithms, using artificial intelligence and digital audio processing techniques. By humming a tune, users can produce a complete digital music work anytime and anywhere, making music composition easy.

HKUST’s participation in the expo demonstrated the University’s determination to promote STEM in the local community, and engage young people in STEM learning while supporting teachers in delivering effective STEM education.