The wandering Earth Ⅱ, a science-fiction movie, has aroused hot debate among galaxy scientists and science-fiction writers, both in China and overseas. Among them, John Gribbin, a UK-based science writer, speaks highly of rising science education in China and says that’s what makes science fiction prosper.

“It is very important in this technological age for people to understand the fundamentals of science, and then popular science writing can inform them of the world around them,” he says. “This is a bit like music. Even if you are not a great musician, if you know a little bit, you gain a deeper appreciation of great music.” Zhou Binghong, a researcher at the China Academy of Space Technology, holds a similar view. “The more scientific knowledge one gains, the more questions he or she will have about how the world runs. This leaves them wanting to know more, especially youngsters.”

Both episodes of The Wandering Earth include quite a few imagined technologies that need basic scientific knowledge to understand. In the latest one, for example, what aroused most fierce discussions among the public is a “space elevator” that enables astronauts to complete their trips to space by taking an elevator instead of a rocket. On various platforms, there are discussions about whether such an elevator is possible. If it is, what materials would be used?

For Zhou, such discussions themselves mean the public has a taste for science. He says, “Interest marks the first step toward creativity. Who knows who will emerge as an engineer for such an elevator in 50 years’ time?”

Impressed by the progress of science-related industries in China, Gribbin says that, “It is going from strength to strength,” and that, “China is one of the leading countries for scientific research and technological development, and the Chinese people are naturally interested in these developments.”

What is a database? A database is a collection of data or information that is organized, stored, and accessed electronically.【小题1】There are three main distinguishing aspects of any database:

It is relevant. When searching for information in the database, you should be able to customize your search to get results relevant to you. There are several ways to search through a database, for example, using discipline-specific terminology, keywords, subject headings, etc.【小题2】

【小题3】One of the main differences between the information you find on the internet and that in databases is that the information found in databases is often peer-reviewed. Furthermore, the information in the database should have key identifiers such as the publication details, author's name, and a summary that you can use to evaluate the information's credibility.

It is accessible. First of all, access to the library is cither free or purchased by patrons so that you can access the information within it at no price.【小题4】Secondly, the database should provide the full-text of the articles, meaning you will not need to go to the library or the source to do so.

【小题5】It is an academic search engine. It doesn't always have the articles' full texts, and you may have to go to their libraries and find or pay for them. Also, the search engine scours the internet for information that seems academic, and some of this information isn't always peer-reviewed.

With all the talk about smart technology and connected homes, you may be wondering why you should take notice. 【小题1】 According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), smart technology is not just about convenience. It is not even just about lighting. It is also about efficiency and safety.

Efficiency

Smart technology allows you to connect your home’s electronic devices (设备) to one device, such as a phone, tablet or computer. Having a connected home means you have the ability to adjust your thermostat (恒温器), open and close window shades and make your security system start working from a distance. 【小题2】

Convenience

【小题3】 For example, for a movie night, a system like Lutron’s Caseta Wireless can be preprogrammed to adjust all the lights in your family room to set the scene for a great movie-watching experience.

If fixing and operating smart technology equipment sounds difficult and expensive, it’s not. According to the ALA, there are simple and surprisingly inexpensive choices available on today’s market.

Retrofitting (改造)

Erik Anderson is the national sales manager for Lutron Electronics. 【小题4】

“All you have to do is take your existing dimmer (调光器) out of the wall and replace it with a Caseta dimmer, add a smart bridge, and you have the ability to control it from an app or from voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri,” says Anderson.

For added ease, Lutron’s Caseta Wireless system can combine with Apple, Amazon or Google platforms for use inside your home. And when you are outside, an app or geofencing (虚拟地理围栏) allows you to adjust your inside and/or outside lights, even before you arrive home. 【小题5】