A hands-on science exhibition is one of the highlights of Beijing Science and Technology Week, which began in the capital yesterday.

The exhibition, at the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution, attracted enthusiastic crowds of primary and junior high students from nearby schools.

"This is much more fun than our physics class," said Tian Hengqi, a junior high student with Taipinglu High School. He made a Newton's rocket car under the guidance of volunteer teachers from US-based Agilent Technologies.

Tian used air released from a balloon he inflated to push the car forward.

"We have not learned the theory yet, but I know now it is the law of action and reaction that makes this car move," he said.

Students gathering around a simulated rocket launching station also counted down the time to lift-off.

The 50-minute programme allows 10 people to jointly launch a small rocket.

"I think this programme is the best in the museum," said Shen Zexi, a student with Qiyi Primary School. "Launching a rocket is very interesting! One day I want to go into space for real."

At the museum, people can also become archaeologists for a day by unearthing ''cultural relics,'' experience virtual reality, use ancient printing technology and operate robots.

Five of the robots were invented by a farmer called Wu Yulu from Beijing's Tongzhou District.

Wu, 41, whose studies finished at primary school, is a special participant at the science exhibition.

Unable to read scientific literature, Wu taught himself to make robots that can walk, jump, climb, somersault, light a cigarette, install a light bulb and even wash bowls and plates.

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