School: Pinglin Junior High School
    Taipei county, Taiwan, Taiwan

11 students, ages 14-15 worked together to complete this CyberFair project on March 20, 2004. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): 2004

Classes and Teachers: Cheng Chia-hung

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://www.pljh.tpc.edu.tw

1. Description of Our Community

Pinglin Township is situated in rural southern Taipei County. Being relatively remote, the area was not developed until the late 18th century. Pinglin is a pocket of level ground set in mountain forests, whence its name, which means 'forest on level ground.' In early times Pinglin was a key waystation on the Old Tan Lan Trail leading from Taipei to Ilan. These days the old road has been replaced by the Taipei-Ilan Highway. The current road brings a lot of visitors to Pinglin and has made transport of the tea produce much easier. Both superior and inferior grades of tea bring a good return, and so for 90% of the people of Pinglin, life revolves around tea. These days, about 80% of the people in Pinglin still depend on tea for their livelihood. With the economy slowing down, however, tea is not as easy to sell as it used to be.But far more important, is to draw deeply on Pinglin's unique and refined qualities as a tea district and imbue the hearts and minds of local inhabitants and visitors alike with a deep appreciation of tea culture.

2. Summary of Our Project

In this project,the most important thing that we want to do is to introduce 'Pinglin Paochung Tea' to the public.The project we go in three ways: 1.the man about 'Pinglin Paochung Tea':We'll report the man who sales tea or plant tea. 2.the development of 'Pinglin Paochung Tea:the past in Pinglin and the future of Pinglin. 3.the environment of tea: the best environment for tea tree and how 'Pinglin Paochung Tea' be made.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:21-50%

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:more than 6

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:more than 6

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

1.In Taiwan,the 9th grade students have heavier study loading, because they have prepare the entrance exam for high schools. Therefore they have very limited time to devote to this program.4 of 11 members are 9th garde students. 2.The internet connection in school is unstable. 3.There are not enough computers in the school. 4.All the team members join other school activities as well.All members join the School Marching Band, and we have Taiwan Music contest in Nov,2003 and Mar, 2004.Thus it is hard to find mutual free time to do this program.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

It's a new experience for students to present what they have learned from school. And it's also a good oportunity to think about how important their hometown to them.

6. How did your activities and research for this CyberFair Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

In the year 2000, our school opened many courses about the tea in Pinglin. Therefore we decided to start a program about Paochung tea. Our main purpose of this program is to make all the students know more about the specialty in Pinglin and love Pinglin better.

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?

2. The technology equipment we use to do this program is as following:§ Instrument: computer, DV, Digital camera, voice pen digital recorder, printing machine, the Internet.§ Books: Photo Impact 8.0, Front Page XP, local journals.§ We do most of our job with computers and the Internet; we use DV, voice pen digital recorder, digital camera, and recorder to record the interviews and take photos; we modify the pictures and make the website with the reference Photo Impact 8.0 and Front Page XP.

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.

We play the role as local ambassadors：Our leader and vice leader play the role as speakers. They explain the main subject and purpose of our program to our interviewers and make appointment with them.

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

We hope that when we present our program by the Internet, we can spread out the specialty in Pinglin. ─tea to all the country. So that many tourists may come to Pinglin. and do good to the economy. We also hope that the government and people may be encouraged to create a newer and better environment in Pinglin

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

The parents of school children almost live on tea. Most of them plant tea or sell tea, so they are our knowlde database. Besides, they are glad to help us to get some information we need , such as contact local official institute for interview .

5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)

The suitable natural environment plus the excellent skill of tea planters make the Paochung tea in Pinglin very famous and favored by many people. The government also makes advertisement to promote this business. We really respect Pinglin people and their love for this land.