A Shenzhen schoolgirl will deliver a report of her sex education survey at the 19th National Junior Scientific and Technological Innovation Contest in Chengdu.

Zheng Xiaoling, 14, created a sensation in May when she entered her report on sex education in the Guangdong Junior Scientific and Technological Innovation Contest. She won first prize with her innovative topic and well designed survey.

Targeted at junior high students, the survey took her more than one year to cover 750 students and 40 families from seven Shenzhen junior high schools. The report marked the first sex education survey conducted by a junior high school student in China.

"When I entered junior high school, many changes had taken place in my life. Growing pains, curiosity and lack of knowledge (about sex education) available in schools, they are the reasons I decided to conduct a survey on sex education," said Zheng Xiaoling.

The National Junior Scientific and Technological Innovation Contest is targeted at students who have a strong interest in science and technology. It provides a vast platform for young people to expand knowledge and exchange creative ideas.

This year's contest will be held from Aug. 19 to 24 with 500 students competing for 19 awards. A total of 14 Shenzhen students were chosen to participate in the national contest. Zheng Xiaoling was the only one in China to research sex education.

"We spent almost one year doing the in-depth research. We consulted experts from South China Normal University and we collected lots of firsthand information. So we are very confident about taking the prize," said Zheng's tutor, Xie Baofeng.

At the Third APEC Youth Science Festival, which ended earlier this month in Beijing, Zheng Xiaoling won two prizes for her research on protection of endangered animal species and biodiversity.

The fresh perspective and in-depth research eventually helped her clinch the two awards for her thesis on how to protect rare animals on the verge of extinction and one vivid painting of a red-crested crane.

"Zheng Xiaoling is a versatile student. She not only concentrates on general studies but also develops various interests. Painting, particularly science fiction painting, is her expertise," said Xie Baofeng.

(Shenzhen Daily August 19, 2004)