This is the founding issue of the Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching (APFSLT) which is an online periodical launched by the Science Department of Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) for the effectiveness and interest of learning and teaching science subjects in schools. The basic aim of this online periodical echoes with the vision of HKIEd, namely "Optimizing each child's potential through the shared joy of learning and teaching" as well as some of HKIEd's missions - to prepare and support teachers in professional development and to collaborate with schools on innovation and change in education.

This issue is highlighted with a comprehensive academic article from Australia on science teaching and learning by John Loughran and two multimedia articles from Mainland China on IT in China's foundation education and the development of creative activities in science and technology by Xiaojun Wang and Jintao Chen and Xiongshuo Liu, respectively. There are also three multimedia articles from Hong Kong school science teachers who share with us their stimulating teaching ideas and innovative experimental design. There are many powerpoint files and video clips embedded in their articles which can readily be adopted for use in other schools, especially for the multimedia science teaching. Furthermore, this issue contains two special sections on primary science, namely "Science competition in Hong Kong primary schools" (edited by Winnie So) and "Primary Science Newsletter" (edited by Yeung Chung Lee). Both of them are converted into this Internet version from their original printed version which has been well received by many primary school teachers in General Studies and has already been out of stock for some time. Feedback/comments on individual articles and advice for improvement of this online periodical are always welcomed and can be communicated to us by various channels available in this website.

Finally, we take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed articles in this issue and peers who reviewed the articles, and all Research Assistants and colleagues in the HKIEd Science Department who offered their help in developing and promoting this online periodical. Special credits must be given to our International Advisers, Guest Editors and all Executive Editors for their invaluable help and advice. We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to the following organizations for their financial or technical support:

• HKIEd Special Projects Fund
• Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education and Development, HKIEd CRIC
• HKIEd Science Department

• Oxford University Press
• Springer-Verlag Hong Kong Ltd.
• Aristo Educational Press Ltd.