STEM Inspires a Passion for Creativity

From the Classroom to Major Competitions

During the 2025–2026 academic year, the STEM and Robotics programs at Nguyen Trai Primary School in Lam Vien–Da Lat Ward left a lasting impression, with five student teams participating in Robocon competitions at various levels. To qualify for the national level, the teams progressed through grassroots and regional competitions, gaining invaluable experience and continuously enhancing their projects.

Throughout this journey, students from Nguyen Trai Primary School secured first place at the Lam Vien–Da Lat Ward Robocon Competition and achieved third place at the South Central Coast–Central Highlands ORC Robocon regional competition, which earned them a spot in the national finals. Noteworthy is the achievement of students Tran Ngoc Nhu Y, Ngo Gia Khang, and Tran Thanh Tai Duc, who received the Creative Design Award at the 2026 National ORC Robocon Competition.

For elementary school students, earning a prize is certainly a reason for happiness, but what matters even more is the experience of building, programming, testing, and fixing robots on their own. Every effort allows students to develop perseverance and gain a deeper understanding of how science can be utilized in their daily lives.

“I felt very excited yet a bit anxious because I got to see and handle real products up close. The most rewarding moment was watching a product created by our team or myself work successfully,” shared Tran Ngoc Nhu Y.

According to Nguyen Thanh Vuong, an educator and coach at Nguyen Trai Primary School, the team's success stemmed from thorough preparation, including understanding the rules, formulating strategies, and designing, programming, testing, and practicing.

“While teachers offer technical support and motivation, the key is to create an environment where students can think for themselves, make their own decisions, and take ownership of their work,” Vuong mentioned.

Creating an Environment for Students to Unleash Their Creativity

STEM education is enabling students to shift from just “learning to know” to “learning to do and create.” Robocon competitions serve as an excellent platform for students to develop and showcase these skills.

According to Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong, Principal of Nguyen Trai Primary School, a STEM classroom was established at the school during the 2025–2026 academic year, allowing educators to organize more structured hands-on and experiential learning activities. The school provides two STEM lessons each week for fourth- and fifth-grade students. Additionally, optional after-school STEM+ activities have engaged over 80% of the student body.

STEM activities at Nguyen Trai Primary School are not limited to students interested in robotics or technology. Students are encouraged to explore, propose ideas, design, test and refine their own products, applying knowledge of mathematics, science, technology and computer science to real-life situations. Teachers serve as facilitators and mentors, while parents provide support, helping STEM experiences extend beyond the classroom into the home.

In the summer of 2026, Nguyen Trai Primary School focused on fostering students with strong talents and a passion for STEM and Robotics, in preparation for competitions during the 2026–2027 academic year.

The school strives to create an environment that inspires students to develop an interest in science, technology, and creativity without overly emphasizing their accomplishments. Through STEM activities, students are encouraged to pose questions, seek solutions to challenges, and persist in their efforts by trying again when their initial attempts are unsuccessful.

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Above all, the school aims to create an environment where students can gain hands-on experience, develop their abilities and nurture a passion for creativity. Competitions give them opportunities to challenge themselves, gain experience and put what they have learned to the test.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong, Principal of Nguyen Trai Primary School