Outline of Specialized Research Plan

1.The web page expo category we are participating in:

　　Local Attractions (Natural and Man-Made)

2.Explanation of “Our local society”:

Hualien County locates in East Taiwan, facing endless Pacific Ocean in the east, connecting with magnificent Central Mountain Area.  With mountains and the ocean make it a world-famous scenery, Toroko Gorge in the north, coastline national park scenery area in the east, Jade Mountain National Park in the south, East Rift Valley with fantastic countryside views passing through.  Nature beauty is all around.   

Hualien was called Qilai long ago. Hualien River goes east to the ocean and its waters surge with the waves; therefore, it is called “Huelan” (whirling fence).  People use the assonance to say “Hualien”.  

Hualien County with 4628 square kilometers is the largest county in Taiwan.  Population of 355,000 makes Fukienese, Hakka, mainlanders and aboriginal people living together.  They get alone harmoniously with simple nice culture and work together to develop this pure land.

3. Outline of the Specialized Research

In quiet dawn, standing next to a huge building in so-called “30 meter road”, facing the first ray of the morning sun, its radiance is growing gradually.  The building is not only a spiritual fortress of Tzu-Chi, but it also contains the beauty of culture, history, architecture and arts.  You can feel the level of living in this world without noise from transportation.  No matter the solemn Still Thoughts Hall, Still Thoughts Bamboo Bungalow or the meadow, it combines modern views and simplicity from the past.  It really is a place worth coming to experience Buddhism culture.  

4. Our Internet Situation:

The school's internet situation
Currently our school uses ADSL cable connection in our computer lab.We have 35 computers for the students and one for the teacher utilizing AMD-Sempron-3000 facilities.
Home internet situation
Members of the team use 56K dial-up service and ADSL cable connection.At home we utilize MSN messenger, email, and FTP to discuss and to transmit information.

5.Problems we overcame:Methods to overcome problems

1.we got help from rou principle ,School administration Department staffs, related units and persons.
2.Parents help on contacting narrator and project related people.
3.Project buget is relying on School Administration budget and sponsers found by teachers to support.
4.Teachers drive vehicle for transportion.
5. We want to thank the Department of Education Mission Development and Tzu Chi Foundation Archives provided information and introduction. 
6.Use lunch break and school break time to research the project.

6.Proverbial feelings:

To find a place to free your mind in the madding crowd has gradually become a luxury.  Walking along the heavy traffic, you can see Still Thoughts Hall in Hualien. 
Still Thoughts Hall has a more than 20-year history.  In 1980s, because of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, Still Thoughts Hall became the fortress of mind of Tzu Chi people.  By interviews and data research, we understood the history of Still Thoughts Hall.  With practical navigation, we found the relationship between life and Still Thoughts Hall and vivid stories of Tzu Chi people.  By experiencing the navigation, we knew how they reacted with visitors in Still Thoughts Hall.  At last, we promoted Still Thoughts Hall in classes for teachers and students to understand the close relationship between life and Still Thoughts Hall.