The finals of the inaugural Sichuan Provincial Science Experiment Showcase concluded on November 29. A “Glutinous” Millennium, a performance created by Tao Dan, Han Donglin, Gu Xin, Chen Siyu, Zhu Zhiyu, and Li Chao—students from the Broadcasting and Hosting program of the College of Communication Science and Art at Chengdu University of Technology (CDUT)—stood out after multiple rounds of selection and intense competition. Winning the provincial First Prize, this work brought fresh momentum to the university’s science outreach efforts.

Centered on the theme of “spreading scientific knowledge, demonstrating scientific principles, and telling scientific stories,” the event supports China’s strategies for invigorating the nation through science and education, cultivating talent, and driving innovation. It seeks to enhance science communication capacity and foster a social atmosphere that respects science and values innovation. As an outstanding representative of the university division, the CDUT team’s work rose above numerous entries, advanced to the final round, and ultimately took the top honor.

▲A “Glutinous” Millennium wins the provincial First Prize

Using CDUT’s research results applied in the post-earthquake restoration of Jiuzhaigou as their starting point, the creative team adopted the familiar traditional food “glutinous rice dumplings” (tangyuan) as a narrative thread, ingeniously integrating scientific inquiry with artistic expression. During the performance, the team combined vivid narration, expressive stage acting, and carefully crafted multimedia presentations to unveil the “scientific code” of glutinous rice—tracing its use from ancient glutinous rice mortar in construction to its modern applications in materials science. They clearly explained professional concepts such as the properties of amylopectin in glutinous rice and the bonding mechanism of glutinous rice mortar.

▲Team members conducting an experiment on stage

▲Team members creatively presenting “tangyuan” on stage

▲Team members staging a dialogue “between past and present”

This award not only highlights the students’ solid professional skills, rich creativity, and strong scientific literacy but also reflects the College’s success in advancing its “teaching reform + practice-oriented education” model. Moving forward, the College will continue leveraging its disciplinary strengths to encourage students to produce more high-quality science communication works, fulfilling the university’s cultural mission of “serving society and promoting science,” and contributing to the improvement of public scientific literacy. 

▲Group photo of the team members