Walking through a 500-million-year geologic history of Yunnan, China: A scientific expedition under the STEM framework

Abstract

In light of the current situation of STEM education in China, as well as in meeting the need for international education (students studying abroad), Yunnan Key Laboratory of Earth System Science (Yunnan University) and Aufine International carried out a joint scientific expedition on Earth science of Yunnan Province, China. Yunnan is rich in geoscience research and education resources, owing to its unique geographic location to the southeast of the Tibetan Plateau, and its geologic evolutionary history. The expedition was designed under the concept of STEM framework, allowing students to learn the basic geologic knowledge not only in the classrooms, but also in the field, through observing geologic profiles, fossils and rocks, and by using scientific instruments. In addition, students also learned the history of geologic research and experienced multi-ethnic cultures, all of which are elements of STEM education.