Shanghai will launch a science education campaign to improve the ability of students in the subject, city officials announced yesterday.

Yu Tao, vice chairman of the Shanghai Association for Science and Technology, issued the science education plan for the next five years at the government’s regular press conference yesterday.

A digital database will be set up to offer a wide variety of science materials. Science practices themed as energy saving are also on the agenda.

Science research, training, lectures and hobby groups will be promoted in the pilot elementary and secondary schools in rural areas.

Shanghai will help train 200 science teachers for the country’s western and mountainous regions.

About 1,000 science experts, 1,000 volunteers from the city’s colleges and 500 leading science teachers from the city’s elementary or secondary schools will be grouped to popularize scientific knowledge to the students.

Students can exchange thoughts with teachers and experts on regular science forums or on the Website (http://www.2049sh.org).

Closer cooperation between scientists and educators will be expected. The quality of science education is required to be strengthened during elementary and secondary education.