Igniting Students’ Passion for Scientific and Technological Innovation
By integrating STEAM education and scientific research into its curriculum, Da Huoai High School in Da Huoai Commune, Lam Dong Province has successfully ignited a passion for innovation within its student body.
At the 21st Provincial Contest for Creativity among Children and Youth, the school achieved impressive results, winning two third prizes for its real-world applicable innovations.
One standout project was “Sign Language Communication Software,” developed by Dang Van Vu Luan (Class 10A1) and Ngo Le Thanh Xuan (Class 11A1), under the guidance of IT teacher Le Thi Nga. The project aims to support people with hearing impairments in communicating more effectively with the community, helping break down language barriers and promote social inclusion through information technology.
Another impressive entry, “Green Cycle – Handmade Herbal School Cosmetics,” was carried out by students Ngo Le Thanh Xuan, Nguyen Vu Minh Thu, and Le Phuoc Loc (all Class 11A1), supervised by Chemistry teacher Mai Thi Kieu Hanh. Using herbs grown in the school’s traditional medicinal garden, the group researched and produced safe, environmentally friendly cosmetic products that promote green living, responsible consumption and sustainability.
Sharing his experience, student Le Phuoc Loc said that participating in scientific research had brought valuable learning opportunities. “I was able to develop skills such as report writing, presentation, and confidently expressing my ideas. Most importantly, applying what we learned in class to real life made me much more interested and passionate about science,” he said.
Teacher Mai Thi Kieu Hanh emphasized that encouraging creativity is the cornerstone of her teaching approach. “In every lesson, I encourage students to think creatively and apply knowledge through hands-on practice, allowing them to explore, experience, and create their own products. When theory is connected with practice, learning becomes more vivid, students are more engaged, and they clearly see the practical value of what they study,” she explained.
Alongside the dedication of teachers, a supportive educational environment has played a crucial role in promoting students’ scientific research activities. Da Huoai High School, which meets National Standard Level I, is equipped with standardized physics, chemistry and biology laboratories that meet teaching and practical training requirements.
The school has focused on innovating teaching methods to enhance students’ proactiveness, strengthen interdisciplinary and integrated learning, expand the application of information technology and experiments, and assign research-oriented learning tasks. At the same time, scientific research among teachers has been promoted through practical initiatives and solutions, contributing to improving overall education quality.
According to Mr Chu Quy Hoi, Principal of Da Huoai High School, STEAM education and scientific research are identified as key foundations for comprehensive student development. “Over the past three years, the school has effectively maintained two STEAM Clubs and a Creativity Club, serving as incubators for many promising student projects,” he said.
He added that scientific research activities are organized regularly and linked with competitions at various levels, creating an environment for students to develop their creative capacities. “Over the past five years, the school has consistently had projects participating in scientific and technical innovation contests every year,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Da Huoai High School will continue to identify STEAM education and scientific research as central tasks, while strengthening encouragement and timely rewards for individuals and groups actively involved, thereby fostering and spreading a spirit of innovation throughout the school.
Mr. Chu Quy Hoi, Principal of Da Huoai High School