Science fun

The Chinese Felid Conservation Alliance focuses on research of North-Chinese leopards in the Taihang Mountains. The nonprofit's posts on social media are drawing an increasing number of followers. [Photo provided to China Daily]

When introducing the Chinese leek in a short video on his micro blog, Shi Jun says its white flower is often used in making a sauce to go with hot pot.

The 36-year-old botanist makes such videos and sometimes even livestreams them to introduce plants and flowers that he finds along roads or in markets. In May 2016, he co-founded the Corn Lab, with the aim of popularizing life sciences among children and young adults on social media. And, he isn't alone.

More individuals and organizations in China are starting to do the same because it's convenient and effective to promote science online and interact with the general public.

Such videos break down technical information into simple words for people to easily understand. Most are free and a few have additional charge.

"We want to make it fun but we also have a scientific approach," Shi said.

The aim, he said, is to foster children's interest in science and offer them different perspectives, as well as get their families involved as parents usually have the final say in what their children will view online.

While Chinese schools are more focused on passing theoretical knowledge, children in the West are trained to gather evidence for their writing projects even in primary school.