‘STEMkidVN’ improves access to STEM education for mountainous students

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education highlights the importance of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. However, access to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education and learning materials is a challenge for students and teachers living in the remote mountainous areas of Lao Cai and Son La provinces.

Furthermore, survey results conducted in August 2022 by the Management and Sustainable Development Institute (MSD) at two primary schools in Lao Cai highlighted that in order to make STEM education accessible, the schools needed improvements in terms of facilities, education and communication materials. Additionally, it was found that teachers required training on STEM education topics and frameworks of integrating STEM education to design lessons and organize interesting STEM development activities.

Recognizing the need to bridge the STEM gap in the nation, MSD has received a GlobalGiving grant of US$25,000 (VND586 million) made in partnership with global science company, 3M for the “STEMkidVN” project. The STEM education project was implemented from August 2022 to the end of January 2023.

According to a report prepared by MSD, the project successfully increased access to STEM education for more than 600 students and 34 teachers from six primary schools in Lao Cai and Son La. This was achieved through various initiatives such as upgrading facilities, equipment and learning materials on STEM education - including a dedicated STEM classroom. Accessible to more than 400 students in Lao Cai Province, the STEM classroom was built so that students can explore the world of STEM through various tools such as STEM kits, books, handbooks, technical equipment, electronic devices, and many more.

STEM classroom (Source: MSD)

Besides fostering a love for STEM among students, one of the main objectives of STEMkidVN is to further equip, train and encourage 34 teachers and school leaders at four primary schools in Ban Lau Commune, Muong Khuong District, Lao Cai Province to integrate STEM education-related activities in their teaching curriculum to encourage students' innovative thinking. After the training, the educators were able to practice their knowledge and successfully design weekly STEM activities for their classes. Moreover, during the weekly STEM activities over the course of two months involving more than 400 Ban Lau Primary School students, students were given opportunities to access, discover and develop their knowledge of STEM. At the same time, the project also successfully built a STEM Club model with more than 20 core students, including girls and ethnic minority children, so that they can unleash their creativity and nurture their passion for science.

Beyond that, the program strengthened the engagement of parents, schools and local authorities, emphasizing the important role of teachers and their contributions, especially for disadvantaged children living in remote areas.

Additionally, in collaboration with a group of young volunteers from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, 100 underprivileged students from Muong Bam 2 Primary School in Muong Bam Commune, Thuan Chau District, Son La Province also received a donation of STEM learning materials.

STEM education activities designed to cultivate creative and scientific thinking

A science innovation contest called “I love STEM” organized from December 12 to 26, 2022 saw the participation of 34 students and 20 teachers. The contest was a playground for children to unleash their creativity as well as create valuable and meaningful products for society. Meanwhile, the competition was an opportunity for teachers to showcase their application of STEM-oriented teaching principles to improve the effectiveness and quality of education in schools.

“I love STEM” fair

On the afternoon of December 30, 2022, nearly 500 students from Ban Lau High School got to immerse themselves in the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of the “I Love STEM” fair. Designed to create a playful space of STEM experiences for students, the fair incorporated exciting activities such as the "Skillful STEM Ambassadors", STEM quizzes, experiential activities, practical activities, simple and interesting STEM experiments, painting, games, visits to booths displaying STEM products by students from Ban Lau TH School, and many more.

Students participating in “I love STEM” fair at Ban Lau Primary school (Source: MSD)

Dang Thi Thanh Thuy, Country Leader and HR Operations Leader, 3M Vietnam said “3M has a long history of supporting STEM and quality educational programming. We aim to advance equitable outcomes for underrepresented and/or under-resourced populations in STEM by supporting initiatives from trusted partners, such as MSD, to improve lives and provide solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in Vietnam. All of us at 3M Vietnam are incredibly proud to be a part of STEMkidVN, a meaningful program that fuels a passion for science. On behalf of 3M, I’d like to convey my gratitude to MSD members, volunteers from DynaGen – Live United program Gen 3, the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam volunteer club, teachers, education administrators, the local government, education experts and all the people who have come together to make the project successful.

Winners of the “I love STEM” contest (source: MSD)

“Through the STEMkidVN project, we hope to provide children with an opportunity to explore STEM and hopefully, foster their interest and love for the STEM field while expanding their career path in the future. Hopefully, today's support can help them discover and realize their full potential, become pioneers of change, solve society's challenges and contribute to sustainable development," said Tran Van Anh, Deputy Executive Director, MSD Vietnam.