School: Fongbin Primary School
    Fongbin, Hualian, Taiwan

17 students, ages 10~11 years old worked together to complete this CyberFair project on February 28, 2006. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): 2004, 2005

Classes and Teachers: Sin-sheng Ding / Grade 5 Class A

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://

1. Description of Our Community

The Shiouguruan River winds down to Ruisui and ends at Dagangkou Section, spanning 24 kilometers. The Shiouguruan River cuts through the coastal mountains and forms a valley. Since 1984, it has been known for white water rafting activities as the winding river is flooded with water. Hsiangsun Water Rafting is based in this area. As a famous player in the water rafting business, Hsiangsun Water Rafting is known for its abilities to organize exciting trips for its customers, many of them coming back for more. Little known is that Hsiangsun Water Rafting spares no efforts to preserve the arts and culture of Fengbing Township. Wanshiang Stone is one such an example. The purpose of this study project is to honor the contributions made by Hsiangsun Water Rafting and to introduce the beauty of Wanshiang Stone.

2. Summary of Our Project

Hsiangsun Water Rafting is a well-known water rafting company and is based in Fong-bin Township. Therefore, we would like to propose the following research subject, goal and content: 1.The Shiouguruan River, along which Hsiangsun Water Rafting is located, and water rafting activities. 2.Hsiangsun Water Rafting: current operations, development history and characteristics of the corporate building. 3.. Hsiangsun Water Rafting’s accommodation services— Sibulan Guest House, the reason for its expansion and the characteristics of the building. 4.Hsiangsun Water Rafting’s contributions to the arts and culture—Wanshiang Stone. 5.Hsiangsun Water Rafting’s future developments.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:less than 20

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:more than 6

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:more than 6

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

1.To ignorant to well-informed:We knew nothing about computers at the beginning. The participation process made it necessary for us to acquire basic word processing and Internet browsing skills. 2.From segregation to cooperation: The segregation between classmates and the segregation between the school and the community disappeared after this project, because through this project, we learned how to think in others’ shoes. 3.From being passive to active: In the beginning, teachers led the students to conduct research. As the research work progressed, students came up with their own questions and sequentially solutions to their questions. 4.From discovery to introspect: At the sight of Wanshiang Stone, we could not help ourselves but to awe at the beauty of this stone. After the explanation from Chu-hui’s father, we realized that to be friends with the Nature, we must not disrupt or destroy anything in nature. We should keep everything intact so that others can appreciate the beauty of nature. 5.From disorder to order: There is a positive correlation between the number of people involved and the number of problems surface. This made it difficult to control he progress. The only way to handle this situation was to figure out the key issues and focus our team resources to tackle these issues.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

The power generated by high level of dedication and attentiveness cannot be ignored. Although a loner-approach minimizes conflicts, it does not provide the room for the peer group to grow and develop. Team work is the best way to ensure progression.

6. How did your activities and research for this CyberFair Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

To incorporate this project into classroom curriculum, it was decided that the 17 students of this class would all participate, so everyone would have a sense of being a part of this venture into a common goal. School's curriculums place priority on developing local culture. In the subsequent stage of course planning and design, teacher placed the project contents research into three sessions of flexible curriculum, three sessions of Group Activities, and three sessions of Arts and Humanities, totaling 9 class sessions and Wednesday afternoon. In addition, we made arrangements with Academic Affairs to place those courses in the afternoon when it was the best time for coordinating the helps from community volunteers and parents. We could then make the best use of our time doing research, interviews, and discussions together. This way, we mobilized all the resources to accomplish our goal of completing the research at the best of our efforts. This also accomplished the educational goal of project-based learning.

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?

Through this competition, we learned how to communicate with colleagues and how to handle our differences. In terms of computer skills, we learned image processing, the use of DV and digital cameras, website layouts and production and the use of FTP sites as follows: Hardware:Personal Computers,Laptops Scanner,Photocopier,Printers,Digital camera,Digital Video,Memory stick,Recorder. Software:Internet,Email,Openoffice,Photoimpact,CuteFTP.

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.

From the initial desk research and information gathering, field investigations to questionnaires and interviews onsite, there were different stages as follows: 1.Desk research in groups to gather information to establish initial understanding and to come up with questions. 2.Learning to produce web pages and to use recording equipment. 3.Prior planning and discussions. 4.A visit to Hsiangsun Water Rafting. A complete record of the interview details regarding the answers from the company staff to our questions.

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

Since we start this research,we found even local residents do not known that Hsiangsun Water Rafting spares no efforts to preserve the arts and culture of Fengbing Township. Wanshiang Stone is one such an example. People in our community will learn to honor the contributions made by Hsiangsun Water Rafting and the beauty of Wanshiang Stone from our report.

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

In the beginning, many Huanlian Educational University's students came to the school to teach us how to use computers. Afterwards, Teacher Ding instructed us on the etiquette on the Internet, as well as how to conduct interviews and questionnaire survey.The most important keyperson is Mr. Yung-sheng Lin--boss of Hsiangsun Water Rafting Co., our main source is the interview with him.

5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)

Problems were inevitable as none of us was familiar with the subject matter at the commencement of the project. Therefore, we gathered opinions from all parties involved. Decisions were made after careful discussions of inputs from different individuals. Such a collaborative approach formed the foundation of our team spirits. We constantly encouraged and support each other in the face of challengers. Such a team spirit cannot be found in any textbooks.