School: Taipei Nei-hu Vocational High School
    Taipei City, Taiwan, Taiwan

10 students, ages 16-17 worked together to complete this CyberFair project on March 14, 2011. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): 2004

Classes and Teachers: Mr. Mu-hui Lai, Mr. Yi-de Wen, Ms. Yu-ling Xu, and Ms. Yi-fang Hsieh

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://www.nihs.tp.edu.tw

1. Description of Our Community

Nei-hu has experienced huge growth with the construction of the Nei-hu Technology Park, and thousands of scientists and engineers work in this area. With heavy work load and the hustle and bustle of this cosmopolitan city, health issues arise. So the idea of “Less Meat, More Veg” has emerged. The reason why vegetarian diet is considered healthier than meat-based diet is that plant-based diet can help increase metabolism and detoxify the human body, which is particularly beneficial for hardworking office workers.

2. Summary of Our Project

The impact of global warming on weather patterns has been underestimated. According to the December 2009 issue of the “World Watch magazine,” livestock-rearing generates more greenhouse gases than transportation and is believed to be one of the major causes of global warming. Also, from the study conducted by Gidon Eshel and Pamela Martin, two professors at Chicago University, plant-based diets are healthier for people as well as for the planet. It is assumed that vegetarian diets can be helpful for not only our health but for the Earth. So our team centers our project on encouraging plant-based diets for eco-friendly environment, hoping to make positive contributions to reducing global warming. We carried out interviews with authorities concerned, such as “Vegan New Life,” “Meat Free Monday,” “Su Vegan Cuisine,” and Taiwan Adventist Hospital. By interviewing and doing field trips, we finally completed our Cyberfair project. We also learn the importance of using less meat and eating more vegetable dishes and the influence on carbon reduction and global warming.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:more than 50%

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:1

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:4-6

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

In the very beginning, we found it hard to come up with a new and original topic for our project. After discussing with one of our instructors, Mr. Lai, who just happened to be a vegetarian, we then decided to deal with this topic. When doing data collection, all of us puzzled over this area and did not know where to start. Gradually, we were on the right track under guidance from our teachers.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

“Less Meat and More Veg for a Cleaner Planet”

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

First, this project establishes a clear link between health education and natural science. In addition, we learn that plant-based diets are healthier for people as well as for the earth. This makes us aware that we can all make an effort to heal our planet earth. Finally, it is of crucial importance to understand that plant-based diets can help increase metabolism and detoxify our body. So going for vegan diets is a good and eco-friendly choice.

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

1. Computer hardware: (1)Laptops and desk-top computer:Looking up information and making web pages.(2)USB flash drives:Storing files, graphs, and photos.(3)Printer:Printing related downloaded information.(4)Telephones and cell phones: Contacting instructors and team mates.(5)Digital cameras:Keeping track of the process of conducting the project; interviewing people and places we have been to. 2. Software: (1)Microsoft Word:Recording content for the web pages.(2)Microsoft Internet Explorer: Looking up information online.(3)Notepads:Recording important notes.(4)Microsoft FrontPage:Making web pages.(5)Flash CS3:Making web pages.

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

To carry out our project, we made field trips to organic farms, vegetarian groups, and vegetarian restaurants. By interacting with these groups, we truly learned a great deal. For example, we learn how plant-based diets can benefit not only the planet but our health. In addition, we get to know related information on plants and several ways to make vegetarian dishes. Most of all, we cherish the teamwork gained from conducting the project with one another. In conclusion, it is a rewarding learning experience for us.

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

To begin with, doing the project helps us know essential truth about the earth and what we can do to make the planet a better place. Vegan diets can heal the planet earth and are beneficial for our health. And it is believed that eating more organic food can increase the quality of life. Although we are just high school students, it is not feasible for us to promote vegan diets like the vegetarian groups we have encountered. Yet, we can start going for vegan diets ourselves and try to share the benefits of vegan diets with others.

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

We would like to thank Mr. Qing-li Lin, the owner of “Wild Strawberries and Fruits: Organic Farm,” for his assistance in giving interviews and helping us learn the skills of planting and details relevant to organic farming. Thanks are also due to Ms. Xin-ying Lin, the volunteer at “Vegan New Life,” Ms. Xiao-huan Su, the founder of “Meat Free Monday,” Mr. Guo-guang Yu, the director of health management at Taiwan Adventist Hospital, for their assistance in providing resources for our project. Special thanks should be given to the following as well: Mr. You-ren Chen, the owner of “Su Vegan Cuisine,” Mr. Fang-liang Guo, the owner of “Lian Xiang Zhai Vegan Restaurant,” Mr. Yin-long Hon, the owner of “Fa Hua Yuan Vegan Restaurant,” and Ms. Da-chun Yin, the owner of “King Join Restaurant.” They helped us know how to make vegan dishes and the benefits of having plant-based diets.

5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)

Before working on the Cyberfair project, all of us have meat-based diet. After conducting this project, we all changed our way of thinking. And it is surprising to learn that so many people have been so devoted to promoting vegetarian diet. Some hospitals even provide plant-based dishes. To our greatest surprise, livestock-rearing generates more greenhouse gases than transportation and industries.