How can science become more accessible and inspire students to develop a passion for discovery? STEM education offers an answer that goes beyond classroom lessons, creating opportunities for students to engage in hands-on activities, experiment with ideas, and solve real-world problems.
As part of the NIC STEM Expedition program, 111 students from Tan Thoi Dai Primary and Lower Secondary School enjoyed a full day of science, technology, and robotics experiences at the National Innovation Center (NIC) in Hoa Lac, Vietnam. Organized by OneSpace in collaboration with NIC and its partner organizations, the program provided an immersive learning environment where students could explore technology through curiosity, experimentation, and creativity.
Exploring the World of STEM Through Nine Challenge Stations
With 111 students divided into 12 teams and taking on nine STEM challenge stations, NIC STEM Expedition created an engaging learning journey that combined knowledge, hands-on practice, and teamwork.
Rather than simply absorbing information from textbooks, students participated in age-appropriate activities designed to help them apply their knowledge, test ideas, and develop solutions to different challenges.
Highlights of the program included:
- Robotics Competitions: Students practiced controlling robots, applying strategic thinking, and working with teammates to complete assigned missions.
- Individual Challenges: Participants developed concentration, dexterity, perseverance, and situational problem-solving skills.
- Applied Science Exploration: Concepts from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) were connected to practical, real-world situations.
- Teamwork Activities: Students discussed ideas, adjusted their approaches, and worked together to find solutions when faced with difficulties.
At each challenge station, students gained new experiences while learning to think independently, persevere through experimentation, and collaborate effectively toward shared goals.
Discovering NIC Hoa Lac: From Robotics to Semiconductor Technology
One of the highlights of NIC STEM Expedition was a guided visit to the National Innovation Center in Hoa Lac, a hub that connects research, technology development, and innovation initiatives.
For lower secondary students, the visit also provided an opportunity to discover advanced technology fields, including semiconductor technology—a fundamental component of the microchip industry and many modern electronic devices.
From the chips inside smartphones and computers to artificial intelligence (AI) systems and intelligent robots, technology plays an increasingly important role in everyday life. Exploring these fields helped students better understand how the knowledge they acquire in school connects with practical applications in the world around them.
The visit also broadened students’ perspectives on the technology landscape and introduced them to potential career pathways in engineering, computer science, research, and technology development.
Through direct exposure to real-world technological environments, concepts that might once have seemed unfamiliar became more tangible, encouraging students to ask questions and explore science in greater depth.
The Value of STEM Education: Learning by Doing, Growing Through Challenges
In STEM education, learning outcomes are not measured solely by completing a task or winning a competition. The process of exploring, experimenting, identifying problems, and refining solutions is equally valuable.
At NIC STEM Expedition, every student had the opportunity to begin with a small but meaningful achievement: confidently controlling a robot for the first time, discovering a new approach with teammates after an unsuccessful attempt, or taking the initiative to share an idea with others.
These experiences helped students develop essential skills for both academic success and everyday life:
- Logical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Analyzing situations, testing approaches, and identifying effective solutions.
- Creativity and Critical Thinking: Asking questions, exploring different perspectives, and learning from experimental results.
- Communication and Collaboration: Exchanging ideas, dividing responsibilities, and working effectively as a team.
- Perseverance and Initiative: Being willing to try again, adapt strategies, and continue learning from experience.
More importantly, students had the opportunity to recognize that technology is not simply something to use. It is also a field they can explore, contribute to, and help shape in the future.
OneSpace Connects Schools with the Innovation Ecosystem
As the professional coordination hub for the STEM ecosystem at NIC, OneSpace works with the National Innovation Center and partner organizations, including SEPA, KidsCode, and Folitech/TPE, to develop practical STEM experiences tailored to school students.
Through NIC STEM Expedition, OneSpace aims to connect schools with hands-on learning environments and technology exploration activities, giving students more opportunities to apply classroom knowledge beyond traditional lessons.
This approach is built around three core values: learning by doing, growing through challenges, and inspiring creative thinking. By engaging with practical tasks and diverse learning environments, students can strengthen their thinking abilities, develop collaboration skills, and build confidence when encountering new concepts.
OneSpace would like to express its sincere gratitude to the National Innovation Center, the school leadership, teachers, and parents of the Tan Thoi Dai Education System for their trust, support, and commitment in making this experience possible for students.
OneSpace also extends its appreciation to all partner organizations and the implementation team whose contributions helped make this meaningful learning journey a success.
Register for NIC STEM Expedition with OneSpace
NIC STEM Expedition is part of OneSpace’s ongoing efforts to bring STEM education closer to students through meaningful, real-world science and technology experiences.
OneSpace welcomes primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary schools interested in organizing STEM activities, robotics challenges, and technology discovery programs at the National Innovation Center in Hoa Lac.
Schools interested in learning more about the program or arranging an experience for their students are invited to contact OneSpace to discuss the activities, target age groups, and implementation options best suited to their needs.
NIC STEM Expedition – Learn Through Experience, Inspire Creativity, and Open Doors to the Technology of Tomorrow.
