Tamkang University Partners with ACC to Accompany Children in Exploring Science Amid Disaster Recovery

"Chemistry On The Go," a science outreach program organized by Tamkang University’s Science Education Center, has returned to Hualien. On September 21 and 22, the program visited Fuyuan Junior High School and Guangfu Junior High School in Guangfu Township, guiding students to discover chemistry through hands-on experiments, everyday science, and industry insights. (Photo Credit: ACC)

Guangfu Township suffered severe damage in September last year when a natural dam formed by the Matai'an Creek burst, triggering floodwaters that impacted local infrastructure. Guangfu Junior High School was among the hardest hit, and campus restoration efforts remain ongoing. As recovery continues step by step, bringing science outreach back to Guangfu offers students uninterrupted learning experiences and new educational engagement.

Launched in 2011 by the Science Education Center at Tamkang University, "Chemistry On The Go" uses a mobile chemistry laboratory to visit campuses across Taiwan. By bringing the lab directly to students, the program uses relatable and engaging experiments to help students explore science through practical application. Over the years, it has consistently promoted science education, making learning accessible to students in various communities.

Employees from Asia Cement’s Hualien Plant acted as volunteer chemistry instructors, leading students through cement experiments to understand materials science and the chemical concepts behind the cement industry. (Photo Credit: ACC)

Asia Cement Corporation (ACC) has collaborated with the "Chemistry On The Go" team since 2024, starting with a chemistry camp hosted by ACC’s Hualien Plant for local elementary and junior high school students. In 2025, the partnership expanded to schools across Hualien, with ACC staff joining the teaching team and providing cement materials. This year, the collaboration has further expanded: beyond continuing campus outreach in Hualien, ACC is supplying cement materials required for experiments conducted by the mobile lab in schools across both Eastern and Western Taiwan.

As an essential material in modern construction, cement involves chemistry at every stage, from manufacturing to low-carbon applications. During the events, employees from ACC’s Hualien Plant served as volunteer chemistry instructors. They introduced low-carbon masonry cement into a hands-on experiment where students crafted mini cement tetrapods. Instructors introduced the primary mineral components of cement and the hydration reaction that occurs when mixed with water. Students mixed cement powder with water, poured the paste into molds, and observed the setting and hardening process firsthand before taking home their own mini tetrapod souvenirs.

According to ACC, science education requires long-term commitment. In remote areas, combining resources from schools, universities, and industry provides children with greater opportunities to engage with and explore science. By visiting Guangfu Township this year, the program aims to foster curiosity through hands-on learning, supporting students and injecting fresh learning opportunities into campuses undergoing reconstruction.