Sowing the seeds of love of science

Two students from Phan Huy Chu High School (right) and their instructor have just won first prize in the Science and Technology Research Competition for high school students organized by the Ministry of Education and Training in 2025.

Ignite passion

In March 2025, in the program "STEM Festival", students of Nguyen Sieu Secondary and High School (Hanoi) confidently and enthusiastically introduced to guests and teachers a series of their products and scientific research projects. Leaving a special impression was the group of students with the project "Application of AI technology to create a waste sorting machine" that won first prize in the district-level Science and Technology Competition. The sensor device identifies waste and sorts it into different types of paper, cardboard, glass, metal and other types of waste. The new point of the project is that students applied AI to design and create highly applicable products. What surprised many people, even made them doubtful, was that secondary school students could create products that require such high knowledge and intellectual investment. Students and instructors shared about the research process, reading documents, tinkering with chip processing, training AI, etc.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Thuy, Principal of the school, said that technology plays an important role in life and the school is not out of the trend, creating conditions for students to access new technology for learning and scientific research. In addition to investing in equipment in practice and laboratory rooms, inviting technology experts to talk to students, the school also trains teachers in technology and AI to guide them. "Students are introduced and encouraged from a young age and can start with topics within their ability to nurture their love, leading to a passion for scientific research, creating valuable products," Ms. Thuy said.

When implementing the 2018 General Education Program, schools advocated promoting the application of STEM, promoting a love of science for students from an early age. Schools created conditions and resources for students to conduct scientific research, with projects that were highly appreciated.

Two students Nguyen Vu Hong Phuc and Nguyen Quoc Khanh, class 12D2, Phan Huy Chu High School, Dong Da District ( Hanoi ) have just had an excellent project that won First Prize at the National Science and Technology Research Competition for high school students in the 2024-2025 school year organized by the Ministry of Education and Training.

STEM is the “open door” for students to access future careers, especially in the fields of high technology, automation, artificial intelligence, data science, etc. “This is an important foundation for Vietnam to have high-quality human resources, meeting the requirements of knowledge-based economic development and international integration,” said the leader of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Chau Loan, the instructor, said that before, Phan Huy Chu students had also won the first prize in national science and technology research, participated in international competitions and won prizes. Right from grade 10, students get used to small projects to gain experience. When their love and passion are big enough, they will devote themselves to the project. The school opened the competition to create a playground, invited experts to independently judge the topics, and gave advice so that teachers and students could learn from their experiences. When the topic won the city-level prize and entered the national competition, it would receive maximum support from teachers in professional groups for students to present, survey, etc. Through many topics, projects and rounds, Ms. Loan saw that students had grown remarkably. From those who were initially shy, they gradually became confident and sharper. She was surprised because in the final round, students could ask questions to the judges, asking for advice and advice to perfect the project.

Ms. Vu Thanh Kim Hue, head of the STEM Club of Trung Nhi Secondary School, Hai Ba Trung District (Hanoi) said that since implementing the 2018 General Education Program, the school has focused on STEM education for students. Initially, teachers themselves had difficulty building lessons into STEM lessons. With knowledge of subjects such as Math, Physics, Chemistry, Informatics, etc., students' initial assignments could be simple products done in class or researched and completed at home.

Students have gradually created products such as robotic arms, hand sanitizers, floor cleaners, color-changing flowers, automatic watering systems, smart sensor lights, automatic fire extinguishers, etc. The school established a Young Scientists Club to provide students with an environment for scientific activities and research. From small products, some students have developed a love for science, a passion for learning and exploring long-term and practical projects. “Scientific research activities have helped students have interesting experiences, sowing seeds of interest in science as well as a deeper understanding of lessons. In fact, there have been students whose products have competed domestically and internationally and won prizes,” said Ms. Hue.

Students of Nguyen Sieu Secondary and High School in a scientific research activity at school

Lack of laboratories and practice equipment

Mr. Tran The Cuong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, said that in the context of the 4.0 industrial revolution taking place strongly, STEM plays an extremely important role in preparing students with the essential capacities and skills of 21st century citizens. STEM not only equips students with knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but more importantly, helps students develop creative thinking, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, teamwork ability and flexible adaptation to changes in the digital world.

The Hanoi Department of Education and Training will make a comprehensive investment in STEM education, considering it the key to preparing high-quality human resources to meet the requirements of the digital transformation and international integration period. These include in-depth training in integrated teaching methods of STEM, STEAM, Project-based Learning, digitalized teaching; upgrading science classrooms and laboratories; investing in modern experimental practice equipment; integrating virtual reality (VR) technology and 3D simulation into teaching...

To improve the quality of education, especially STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), the human factor - the teaching staff and the facilities and technology are inseparable. To arouse the love of science and motivate students to pursue STEM, the Hanoi Education sector has implemented many methods and strategies such as: Bringing STEM activities into the main and extracurricular education programs in many diverse forms; Building model points, leading STEM, especially at high-quality schools such as: Le Loi Secondary School, Cau Giay Secondary School, Thanh Xuan Secondary School... Building STEM clubs in schools, creating creative learning playgrounds, where students can experience, explore, and experiment with scientific ideas.

Thanks to that, in 2025, Hanoi students participating in the National Startup Competition in Ho Chi Minh City won 10 prizes, including 3 first prizes, 3 second prizes, 4 third prizes; participating in the National Science and Technology Research Competition for middle and high school students in the 2024 - 2025 school year with 6/6 projects winning prizes.

However, the leader of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training also said that currently, promoting students to do scientific research and STEM activities faces some difficulties and challenges. Students are not fully equipped with the necessary skills in collecting and processing data, and are limited in using digital tools, analysis software, programming tools, and online learning platforms. In addition, some students feel pressured, afraid of failure, or are not confident enough to participate in research activities or technology applications.

Besides, some schools lack laboratories, practice equipment, or do not have the conditions to invest in modern technology, which limits students' scientific research.

Ha Linh

Source: https://tienphong.vn/geo-mam-tinh-yeu-khoa-hoc-post1744009.tpo