Ⅰ. Category：Local Leaders
Ⅱ. Local community description：Xindian District, New Taipei City
Xindian District is an inner city district in the southern part of New Taipei City, Taiwan, mainly consisting of hills. Xindian District is bounded in the north to Wenshan District, Taipei City by Xindian Creek and its tributary Jingmei River. Xindian District features Bitan Scenic Area, which is one of the well-known tourist attractions in Taiwan and also the source of Dapinglin Canal and Liugong Canal. Located in Xindian District, Central Engraving and Printing Plant is the only place in Taiwan that prints NTD bills legally. Many traffic constructions are built in Xindian District, including Highway No. 3 and Xindian Interchange and Ankung Interchange and MRT Xindian Line and Xiaobitan Branch Line.
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| ▲ Xindian Administrative Region Map Resource: Taiwan Local Culture Book Databases |
Ⅲ. Summary of project research plan：
Since 1981, Forng-Shean Chen has studied tools, material, and skills in miniature carving in a self-taught way. In addition to miniatures, brick carving that integrates the beauty of calligraphy are also displayed in Chen Forng-Shean Miniature Art Museum. Self-made tools are provided for the public to experience brick carving. Upholding perseverance and passion, Mr. Chen has strived to promote miniature and brick carving, which makes the public attach importance to this traditional craft once again. Through this thematic study, we hope to share with more people the mystery of miniature carving and the beauty of brick carving and calligraphy.
Ⅳ. School Internet service：
The school applies for HiNet with 100M bandwidth, which is provided for us to use in the computer classroom. Currently, 100 computers are available in 2 computer classrooms. In addition, a computer and a projector are available in each classroom. Besides, we have our own hard drive online where we store our work and files. We also have computers at home which are used to collect and compile data after school. E-mail and cloud space are also used to share and transmit data.
Ⅴ. Difficulties：
(1) Schedule Conflict
In a changing society, people like to focus on speed and efficiency, which leads to the decline in traditional crafts that require long-term cultivation. This time, we interviewed Mr. Chen and had an on-site tour to Chen Forng-Shean Miniature Art Museum in Xindian. Through the interview, we have more understanding of the history of miniature and brick carving and existing difficulties. Through Mr. Chen’s instruction, we have learned a lot about miniature and brick carving and feel touched by his passion. We hereby thank Mr. Chen for accepting our interview in such a tight schedule and providing us with valuable information and a wealth of knowledge.
(2) Interview Skill
For us, an interview is a special skill which we are not familiar with and even feel afraid of; however, under guidance of the instructor and parents and through repeated practice, we have make progress and are able to pay attention to the courtesies required for carrying out a good interview.
(3) Presentation Skill
Before the exhibition, we have never given any professional presentation in public. As we have to conduct guided tour in front of all students, we follow the strict instructions of the instructor and practice and make corrections repeatedly. Gradually, we gain confidence and courage.
(4) Complex Work Load
It is difficult for us to have a discussion, collect and compile data, host an interview, and even give a guided tour because most of us have not experienced these before. In addition, to attend Taiwan School Cyberfair, we have to learn English writing. During this period of time, we often have disagreements, but what we learn from these disagreements are rational discussion, planning, and teamwork, making every detail of website making thorough and sound.
(5) Achievement
As the website navigation becomes closer and closer, data integration and the schedule become tougher. In the winter vacation, we had to have discussions through the internet, e-mail or telephone as everyone had his/her plan with family members; despite of this, we still managed to put our opinions together with the instructor’s help. This website and the thematic study are the great challenge that we have never experienced, yet we have learned a lot from this experience.
Ⅵ. Reviews：
Hidden in an alley, Chen Forng-Shean Miniature Art Museum features a series of Guinness World Records-winning artwork. Having grey and white hair and sharp eyes, Mr. Chen welcomed us hospitably. During the visit, the research assistant Ms. Cho Min told us some interesting stories about Mr. Chen at work.
At the beginning of the activity, we actually did not know exactly what to do. After getting to work, we realized that many preparations need to be done, such as collecting data, drawing out a topic, compiling a work log and a report, hosting an interview, and visiting the museum.
Throughout the whole process, we have cultivated the ability to collect and compile data, give a guided tour confidently, and value the passion for cultures of traditional crafts. Through this thematic study, we hope to share with more people the mystery of miniature carving and the beauty of brick carving and calligraphy.
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