The Hong Kong government announced Thursday (Dec 21) that Hong Kong students have 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 in IJSO. This year's IJSO was held on Dec. 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 for a science quiz.

The syllabus for the IJSO was adapted from International Baccalaureate Program for 15-year-old students covering Physics, Chemistry and Biology topics. The competition comprised one multiple-choice Test, Theoretical Examination and Experimental Examination.

The Hong Kong team has been groomed 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 members who were the best performers of a local science competition, Hong Kong Budding Scientists Awards (2005-2006), co-organized by the Gifted Education Section, EMB, Hong Kong Association for Science and Mathematics Education and some other education institutions.

Editor: Wing