More than 3,000 participants, 600 contestants from two robot and water rocket competitions joined in challenges and interactions at Hanoi University of Science and Technology.
On the morning of October 8, the campus of Hanoi University of Science and Technology was packed with students representing localities and units from all three regions attending and experiencing activities at the 8th National STEM Festival (Vietnam STEM Festival 2023). The big festival is the highlight after a series of STEM activities held nationwide over the past 4 months.
Activities ranged from Ta Quang Buu Square, where the opening ceremony and national final of the "Flying into Space" water rocket competition took place; the STEM Sao Thuy challenge, followed by the HUST Robot Arena final, the qualifying round of the FC24 Vietnam Championship, the simulated football event (FIAFAe); and the Sports Chess. Moving to the C2 hall area, the Robotics final competition with 96 teams from 16 provinces and cities, along with a lab tour program to visit and experience the laboratory and practice.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh (white shirt) and former Deputy Minister Tran Van Tung (middle) visit the exhibition booth at the National STEM Festival on the morning of October 8. Photo: NQ
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh emphasized the significance of STEM education with the philosophy of fostering interdisciplinary and inter-disciplinary knowledge, conveying knowledge in a scientific and intuitive way. This can be considered an ideal approach to enhance knowledge, innovate the thinking of young people, thereby forming generations of digital age citizens who are ready to face, adapt and seize opportunities.
He assessed that STEM community activities nationwide have shown positive changes in quality and quantity, with resources being devoted to implementation; for students, supplementary courses on skills and knowledge have become familiar. Deputy Minister Dinh mentioned the theme of the festival "Vietnam breaks through to new heights", affirming the strong and enduring vitality of the STEM community in Vietnam, emphasizing the support for teachers and students on the journey of searching for and expanding scientific knowledge.
He expects young people to join hands in creating a creative learning and research environment, and building an innovative learning ecosystem. "Together, we will spread the message of connection, spread and raise awareness about the role of science, technology and innovation, and build a passion for research right from school," he said.
Thousands of people attended the event at Ta Quang Buu Square, University of Technology. Photo: NQ
The highlight of this year's STEM Festival is the two water rocket and robotics competitions with more than 600 contestants including students nationwide. The "Flying into Space" water rocket competition has 57 teams, divided into 2 groups, including the group for primary school students (8-10 years old) and the secondary school group (11-15 years old). Here, the teams compete through launching water rockets, experiencing the construction, operation, and problem solving of a real rocket and satellite.
Primary school students participate in the water rocket competition. Photo: NQ
Sharing with VnExpress, Nguyen Nhat Minh Khanh, a 7A1 student at Dinh Thien Ly Secondary and High School (HCMC), said that the group went to Hanoi one day in advance to test-run the rocket to fix any shortcomings before entering the official competition. Khanh said that the group expected the competition to hit the bull's eye within 1 meter, and the rocket performance was considered outstanding.
Student Ton That Phan Da, class 7A1, said the team name "LSTS super rocket competition team" represents the determination of Dinh Thien Ly school. "Our team prepared for the festival for a long time, yesterday afternoon we also tested the rocket from 2pm to 6pm to adjust the design with the hope that the rocket would be evaluated well, especially the launcher performance was beautiful", Da said.
A group of students from Dinh Thien Ly Secondary and High School (HCMC) are excited about the competition. Photo: NQ
Nguyen Ngoc Diep Minh, a 5th grade student at Vietschool Pandora, said he was very nervous and excited. Diep Minh said he spent the whole afternoon preparing equipment and test-firing to choose the most solid rocket for the race. "I hope to have a small prize from the program to give to my parents, friends and teachers at school," Minh said.
Taking place in parallel, the final round of the Vietnam STEM Robotics competition with the participation of 96 excellent teams, including more than 300 contestants from primary, secondary and high schools from 16 provinces and cities. The teams are divided into 3 competition categories (including SRC, ViRC, KRC), and will demonstrate the design and control of robots based on the application of STEM knowledge. This is also the difference of the competition. Students promote their knowledge of mechanics, electronics, and physical principles to optimize the mechanism, structure and function of robots, learn about control, sensors and the latest technologies to build programs and algorithms for robots. This application creates opportunities for students to apply STEM knowledge into practice, develop logical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills, thereby creating unique and innovative solutions.
Assessing the teams as "competitive", team leader Nguyen Viet Anh (Hanoi University of Science and Technology) and Nguyen Tien Dung, class 12A3, Thang Long High School, from Thang Long STEM Club, were very excited. Viet Anh said they brought their self-made robots, from the saw blade to the box design, every detail was meticulously designed. He said he joined the robot competition with the excitement of winning, and at the same time hoped to exchange and learn and expand the club network with friends who share the same passion for robots.
In addition to the main activities, young people are immersed in diverse activities, rich in experiences and challenges. Many attractive virtual reality games such as: simulated car racing with a modern simulation system bring the feeling of driving a real car; taking pictures with astronaut models, the largest lunar sphere telescope in Vietnam, observing sunspots with a telescope, and mobile chess. Participants can also directly interact with AI robots, control Mbot fighters, experience creative robot projects; perform scientific experiments, and make smart toys.
Within the framework of the program, in the afternoon of the same day, the International STEM Conference with the theme "STEM without borders" gathered leading speakers in the field of STEM and STEM education. Speakers and delegates exchanged and discussed the development and innovation of STEM education in Vietnam, sharing experiences, methods, and pioneering and modern approaches to deploy and promote STEM education.
The 2023 National STEM Festival is directed by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, in coordination with the University of Science and Technology, the STEM Alliance and other units operating in the fields of science, technology and STEM education. With the theme "Vietnam, reaching new heights", the festival has had many exciting activities nationwide for more than 4 months and ended with the Grand Festival.
First held in 2015, the National STEM Day has been held 8 times. The festival has connected, spread and raised awareness of the community, especially young people, about the role of science, technology and innovation, spreading passion for scientific research right from school. It is expected to promote the application of science and technology in life; improve research capacity, and connect the STEM education ecosystem in Vietnam.
>>See more: Activities at National STEM Day 2023
Nhu Quynh
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