A creative playground for female students.

The event was organized by the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences (an agency under the Ministry of Education and Training ), in collaboration with UNICEF and Victoria School, to encourage girls aged 13 to 15 to participate in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

Contestants of STEAM for Girls are present at Victoria School - South Saigon to participate in the competition.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from the Basic Education Committee, the Ministry of Education of Thailand, UNICEF Vietnam, the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences, the Board of Directors of Victoria School, along with 69 contestants and their instructors from 18 provinces and cities across the country, as well as representatives from Thailand, Malaysia, and Laos.

The contestants beamed with joy on the first day of the STEAM for Girls finals.

In his opening remarks, Professor Dr. Le Anh Vinh, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences and Head of the Organizing Committee of the Competition, emphasized: " We know that there are many world-renowned female scientists such as Marie Curie, the first scientist to receive two Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry, nổi prominent for her research on radioactivity; Ada Lovelace: the first computer programmer, who wrote the first algorithm for a computer… I just want to tell you one thing: Be confident in pursuing what you love, don't let others tell you that you can't do something ."

Professor Le Anh Vinh inspired the contestants through the stories of successful female scientists.

UNICEF Vietnam representative, Ms. Le Anh Lan, also emphasized the role of STEAM in preparing the younger generation to face global challenges: "UNICEF believes that STEAM education – a synthesis of science, social studies, and arts combined with digital skills and awareness of environmental protection and climate change mitigation – is one of the two most important investments society makes today. Ensuring that every young person has equal opportunities to access STEAM education safely and responsibly, and that they learn practical, entrepreneurial skills, are key factors in ensuring equity in human resource development."

Ms. Le Anh Lan, UNICEF Vietnam Education Specialist, shared her insights at the event.

Christopher Bradley, M.Sc., Headmaster of Victoria School - South Saigon, also shared about Victoria School's mission in providing a holistic educational environment and encouraging students to become the best version of themselves: "Victoria School - South Saigon encourages students to explore their creative potential in science and technology through learning and experiential activities. STEAM is a great way to integrate technology with more traditional subjects. We need to ensure that all students, including female students, are not only ready to participate but also become leaders in this field."

Christopher Bradley, M.Sc., Headmaster of Victoria School - South Saigon, shared the school's STEAM development direction.

Following the opening ceremony, the participating teams received detailed instructions on the rules of the final round and participated in guided activities on STEAM research and project implementation, led by experts from the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences. The 69 contestants will be divided into 23 teams, each team consisting of three members from three different localities, to help them become familiar with and experience different cultures and approaches to problem-solving.

STEAM for Girls contestants were excited during the team draw.

Each team will choose one of three topics: STEAM skills and green skills for girls; Renewable energy; and Climate change adaptation, to conduct research/projects. The entries will include: a written description of the project idea (maximum 1,500 words) and a practical product in the form of a model, video, or image illustrating the idea, demonstrating the creativity and application of the project. After completion, contestants will present their projects to the judging panel and answer questions on the morning of October 3rd, 2024.

Nguyen Ngoc Uyen Phuong, a student from Victoria School - South Saigon, representing the 69 contestants, shared her feelings before entering the final round.

Based on criteria such as creativity and innovation; feasibility and applicability; collaboration and teamwork; and environmental and social awareness, the judging panel will select the 9 best teams to advance to the final round, which will take place on the afternoon of October 3, 2024. Through each round, contestants will learn skills in analysis, implementation, problem-solving, presentation skills, critical thinking, and more.

The contestants get acquainted with their team members and prepare for the final round of the competition.

The STEAM For Girls 2024 finals will take place from September 30th to October 4th, 2024, with many exciting and enriching activities such as visiting the Vietjet Aviation Academy and the Galaxy Innovation Hub to learn about the application of technology and engineering in the aviation industry and creative research activities; visiting the Van Gogh exhibition; experiencing hands-on learning; and exploring a "city tour" to better understand the dynamism and creativity of Ho Chi Minh City. In particular, the students will participate in an educational forum on Renewable Energy and Climate Change. This is an important first step in encouraging female students to pursue STEAM, while also contributing to promoting gender equality in education and sustainable development.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/khai-mac-vong-chung-ket-steam-for-girls-san-choi-sang-tao-cho-nu-sinh-196240930183438399.htm