“Wow! My milk turned into a rainbow painting!” “My bok choy leaf turned blue!” “Look! My bubbles are the biggest and biggest!”
At Irvine Chinese School’s summer camp, students are exploring the properties and principles of water through hands-on experiments. This is not your typical language or science class—it’s a refreshing, interdisciplinary learning experience.
For the first time, Irvine Chinese School has launched an innovative STEM Language Discovery for students in grades 2 through 6.
By naturally integrating science and language learning, the program transforms the process of learning Chinese into an immersive adventure that kids don’t want to end.
In the first session of the STEM Language Discover course, students explored essential natural elements including water, fire, wind, static electricity, and solar energy.
Using everyday materials like sugar, vinegar, and baking soda, teachers guided students in simple and engaging Mandarin, while group discussions and hands-on experiments sparked their curiosity and motivation to learn.
As they observed, the children recorded what they saw by writing and drawing in Chinese—a powerful demonstration of their learning in action.
According to curriculum designer Leah Huang, “We want to break the stereotype that learning Chinese is all about memorization and tests.
Through interdisciplinary STEM learning, students are encouraged to observe, express, and document everyday phenomena in Chinese, making language learning more meaningful and connected to real life.”
Jack, a student attending summer camp for the first time, said he used to learn Chinese online at home.
“But here, I get to do experiments, work with classmates, think, and take notes—it’s so much fun!” Jack said with a grin. “My little sister heard about it and now she’s begging to join too.”
Principal Jennifer Su of Irvine Chinese School said the program aims to break the traditional textbook-based model by integrating STEM into language learning.
"The key to language learning isn’t how many words you know, but whether it sparks motivation and meets real-life communication needs.
These students already have basic listening and speaking skills—science gives them a chance to use it in action."Principal Su said.