NAIS Pudong Challenge Winners Visit MIT

Earlier this year, students from NAIS Pudong submitted entries as part of a ‘Hack the Tube’ challenge set by our education collaboration partners at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 

Amongst our global family of schools, two of our students, Callum L. and Yoshiki S. emerged as victorious participants and just last week had the incredible privilege of travelling to the United States to present their winning entry to the MIT team.

Having the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with some of the brightest minds in the fields of science and engineering is an extraordinary opportunity and underscores why Nord Anglia is the perfect place for our students, offering them the chance to be at the forefront of innovation and technology.

Our students experienced a collaborative adventure as they explored the MIT campus through puzzle-solving activities. Notably, one group set a record in a construction challenge by creating the tallest paper structure capable of supporting a toy cow, inspired by the quirky MIT hacks on campus. The day concluded with a visit to the MIT museum, where some students had the privilege of learning about the Starshade telescope project.

The second day was a captivating experience for our students. It began with an enthralling lecture on biological engineering by MIT PhD students, followed by an exploration of the campus’ state-of-the-art laboratories, including the chance to witness an electron microscope in action. Later in the day, they delved into the realms of virtual and augmented reality, while also taking to the Charles River using a distinctive car-boat. The day was wrapped-up with a delightful dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.

Later in the week, the journey commenced with a UN simulation focused on crafting policies to combat global warming, igniting the students’ passion for making a meaningful impact. They then formed groups and worked together to prepare for their final challenge, demonstrating remarkable teamwork. It was heartening to observe the friendships that blossomed during this program, some of which we believe will endure a lifetime.

The penultimate day was dedicated to project work, setting the stage for the final day presentations of their prototypes and the trip concluded on a high note with a memorable dinner at Harvard Square and an inspiring visit to the Harvard campus.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we’re confident that our students will cherish these moments and the incredible people they have met for years to come. Dining at Harvard and engaging with the brilliant minds at MIT is an opportunity that doesn't come by every day.

As we reflect on this remarkable journey to MIT, it's clear that our students have not only enriched their knowledge but also broadened their horizons. This experience has ignited a spark of curiosity, passion, and a thirst for innovation that will guide them on their academic and personal journeys. We are immensely proud of their achievements and the lasting bonds they've formed with peers from around the world.

This journey to MIT serves as a testament to the endless possibilities that await our students at NAIS Pudong, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing the incredible contributions they will make to the world of science, technology, and global change.