CyberFair Project ID: 8808

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International Schools CyberFair Project Narrative
Title: Yuanlin Zen Temple – The Spiritual Center of Yuanlin People
Category: 6. Historical Landmarks
URL: http://167.86.97.79/gsn2025/index.htm
Bibliography: http://167.86.97.79/gsn2025/02_7_5_1.htm

School: Jing Siou Elementary School
    Yuanlin City, Changhua County, Taiwan

8 students, ages 11-12 worked together to complete this CyberFair project on March 13, 2025. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): 2020,2022,2024

Classes and Teachers: Liu Yisheng, Chen Jianda, Tseng Shuhsing

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://

Project Overview

1. Description of Our Community

Yuanlin City is located in the central-southern part of Changhua County, Taiwan. It is the most populous city in the county, with a population of over 120,000, and serves as the second-largest economic center in Changhua. Due to its strategic location and convenient transportation, Yuanlin is a commercial hub in southern Changhua, boasting a vibrant economy and rich cultural development.

2. Summary of Our Project

Yuanlin Zen Temple is a sacred Buddhist site that integrates religious faith, Zen culture, and artistic architecture. Whether you are a Buddhist or a general visitor, you can experience tranquility and spiritual nourishment here. If you are interested in Buddhist culture or Zen practice, this is a place worth visiting for spiritual retreat.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:more than 50%

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

Children lack the logical ability to integrate information, making it difficult for them to find relevant data that aligns with their research topics. Therefore, they are divided into groups to encourage collaborative learning, allowing information to be gathered more efficiently. The teacher also guides the children through group discussions to help them organize and select appropriate information. Furthermore, children often struggle to fully and accurately record the information they obtain during activities, frequently missing details or leaving their records incomplete. To address this, they are required to work in pairs during field investigations—one person is responsible for taking notes, while the other handles audio recording and photography. After the interview, the recorded audio can be used to verify the accuracy of the collected information, ensuring that the final content is complete and precise.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

Participating in this event not only allows the public to learn about the cultural history and heritage preservation of Yuanlin Zen Temple in the Greater Yuanlin area of Changhua County but also aims to raise awareness of the importance of local historical architecture and religious centers. Additionally, it hopes to foster a sense of identity with the hometown and contribute to the development of local tourism.

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

The research topic is closely integrated with the field of study, allowing students to practice formulating visit themes, organizing interview scripts, and enhancing their ability to synthesize information and improve writing skills.

During the actual visit to Yuanlin Zen Temple, students observe, record, and interview key personnel, strengthening their hands-on scientific research skills. They also take photographs and incorporate textual content to design webpage layouts, fostering their sense of aesthetics.

Throughout the interview process, students practice clearly expressing their thoughts, actively participating in activities and discussions, cultivating teamwork, sharing research findings, and collaboratively completing tasks. Every stage of the process requires effort from the students, and successfully completing this research project becomes a memorable and invaluable experience for them.

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Project Elements

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

Students first use tablets combined with the internet to gather information about Yuanlin Zen Temple and then conduct an on-site visit. During the visit, they use smartphones and tablets to take photos, record audio, and capture videos.

Afterward, they use computers or laptops to organize and edit the interview records into document files. Throughout the process, a 75-inch touch screen is used to display relevant information and facilitate discussions. Finally, students create a webpage using computers and upload it to the competition website.

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

Through the project research sharing activity, we found that students were highly enthusiastic and actively engaged in learning about religious beliefs and the history of Yuanlin Zen Temple. This experience also inspired their interest in exploring the unique characteristics of other temples in greater depth.

In addition to personally visiting Yuanlin Zen Temple, Funing Temple, Xingxian Academy, and Dajia Mazu Temple, we also hope to spark interest in the unique religious culture within the community. Through this initiative, we aim to promote the development of local religious and cultural centers and highlight the significance of regional faith traditions.

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

Through an in-depth exploration of Yuanlin Zen Temple and other distinctive temples in the community, we conducted multiple on-site visits and extensive data collection, allowing us to truly understand the rich religious and cultural heritage of the Greater Yuanlin area in Changhua County—something we were previously unaware of. Therefore, we are committed to sharing the knowledge and experiences we have gained by introducing them through a webpage, allowing more people from outside the area to learn about these unique aspects. We hope to encourage visitors to explore local religious sites firsthand, revitalizing and promoting the distinctive faith culture of the region.

Throughout this research journey, in addition to strong support from our school, we also connected with various community and inter-township resources. The enthusiastic support from local residents further strengthened the interaction between the community and the school. This experience not only enriched our understanding of our hometown’s cultural heritage but also allowed our team members to deeply feel the warmth and hospitality of our community.

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

During the research and interview process, the principal, directors, teachers, and parents generously accompanied and guided the children with great enthusiasm. They assisted in conducting interviews, taking photos, writing reports, and solving transportation issues, always providing help and encouragement. Their unwavering support was our greatest strength.

We sincerely appreciate the staff and key members of Yuanlin Zen Temple, Funing Temple, Xingxian Academy, and Dajia Mazu Temple for taking time out of their busy schedules to personally accept our interviews, provide valuable resources, and share their knowledge and experiences with our research team. Their insights have been truly invaluable, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding and learn immensely from the process.

5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)

Before conducting a site investigation, thorough preparation is essential. It is important to research and gather information in advance; otherwise, you may feel lost on the day of the visit.

During the investigation, remember to record audio, take photos, and write clear notes. Otherwise, it will be difficult to recall details when compiling the report later.

Work efficiently—after completing the site visit, it is best to organize and finalize the records immediately rather than postponing it for several days, as details may be forgotten.

Through this research project, we have come to realize that the Greater Yuanlin area is a highly significant and unique region within Changhua County, playing a crucial role in the local economy and daily life. This experience has deepened our appreciation for the community’s religious and cultural heritage.

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View our CyberFair Project (Project ID: 8808)

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