STEM School Tour Da Nang: Inspiring Innovation and Creativity Among 292 High School Students

Innovation STEM School Tour is an experiential STEM education program for 292 students from four high schools in Da Nang City (formerly Quang Nam Province), including Le Thanh Tong High School for the Gifted, Tran Quy Cap High School, Que Son High School, and Tran Cao Van High School, held from April 11–25, 2026.

The program aims to strengthen students’ innovation capacity, technological thinking, and 21st-century skills through practical, creative, and hands-on STEM activities.

This series of activities is jointly organized by UNICEF Việt Nam and the Vietnam–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK), The University of Da Nang, as a continuation of the “Green STEM Innovation 2025 course. The initiative encourages young people in Da Nang to foster innovative thinking and apply technology in learning and research.

The program is implemented under the “Healthy Cities for Adolescents (HCA-II) – Phase 2” project in Da Nang, funded by Botnar Foundation and managed by Ecorys.

STEM School Tour – Inspiring Creative Thinking Through Practical STEM Education Activities

The program began with interactive warm-up and networking activities, creating an energetic and creative atmosphere for students. Following the opening session, students participated in the “Vending Machine Challenge” – an interactive STEM activity designed to strengthen critical thinking, observation, and problem-solving skills.

Throughout the morning, students explored the foundations of STEM education through sessions on innovation, analysis of sample projects, and the process of developing creative ideas. These activities helped students better understand how a technology product evolves from an initial concept into a practical application.

In particular, the project development activity using the Design Thinking approach enabled students to enhance their creative thinking, identify problems, and propose effective solutions. Design Thinking is a modern educational approach widely applied in advanced STEM education models around the world.

STEM School Tour – Technology Experiences and Future Career Exploration for High School Students

One of the highlights of the STEM School Tour Da Nang was the hands-on technology experience activities. Students had the opportunity to directly explore, practice with, and experience modern technological products, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the role of science and technology in learning, daily life, and future career orientation.

Through these experiential STEM activities, the program promoted innovation and creativity, inspired students’ interest in scientific research, and strengthened their ability to adapt to digital transformation trends.

The practical learning activities also provided opportunities for students to develop communication, collaboration, and creative thinking skills — essential competencies for the 21st century.

Developing 21st-Century Skills Through Creative STEM Challenges

The afternoon session continued with the “Smart Racing Car Challenge” — an applied STEM activity that encouraged students to enhance their creativity and teamwork skills. With guidance from mentors, students worked together to develop ideas, build prototypes, and design presentation posters for their projects.

Through the project-based activities, students strengthened a wide range of essential skills, including:

• Teamwork skills
• Time management skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Innovative and creative thinking
• Technology application skills

More than just a STEM experience activity, the program also contributed to creating a positive learning environment where students could confidently express their ideas and develop their individual capabilities.

STEM School Tour Da Nang Promotes a Culture of Innovation in Schools

The program concluded with project presentations and feedback sessions, where student groups showcased their products, received comments from instructors, and further refined their creative ideas.

Innovation STEM School Tour not only provided practical STEM education experiences but also helped foster a culture of innovation in schools, encouraging students to become proactive learners, think creatively, and adapt confidently to a rapidly changing world.

Through this program, STEM School Tour Da Nang continues to highlight the important role of STEM education in improving educational quality, developing young human resources, and nurturing a dynamic and innovative generation for the future.