"Science Switch" Project Ignites Science Passion and Advances Science Education in Tien Giang

• Bayer Vietnam, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) and Khan Quang Do Newspaper have jointly organized the "One Health" Science Fair for over 500 local secondary school students in Tien Giang province.
• The Science Fair is part of the Science Switch project, which aims to support teachers and students in fostering creativity in teaching and learning science, while also enhancing awareness of the One Health concept.

Tien Giang, 8 December 2024 – Over 500 students and teachers from five secondary schools in Tien Giang province participated in the Science Fair at Le Ngoc Han Secondary School in My Tho City, Tien Giang province. The event was a collaborative effort by Bayer Vietnam, the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Khan Quang Do Newspaper, and the Tien Giang Department of Education and Training.

At the Science Fair, students immersed themselves in a diverse range of interactive games at 17 science booths, each creatively named such as "Mosquito Killer," "Antibiotic Warrior," "Soap Superman: Defeating 'Monsters,'" and "Emotional Puppets." These games not only offered a fun and engaging experience but also served as a dynamic way for students to grasp the intricate connections between human, animal, and environmental health. Crafted by a collaborative team of teachers and students involved in the project, with additional support from the event organizing committee and young scientists, these games were inspired by themes from the book “One Health,” which was jointly launched by OUCRU, Khan Quang Do, and Bayer Vietnam in late 2023.

As part of the Science Switch project, initiated in 2021 to enhance science education in schools, spark enthusiasm for life sciences among the younger generation, and showcase the practical application of these concepts in everyday life, this year, five secondary schools in Tien Giang province are actively involved in the project. These schools include Luong Hoa Lac, Cho Gao, Tan Hiep, Xuan Dieu, and Le Ngoc Han.

Beyond organizing and managing science game booths, teachers and students engaged in staging a diverse array of creative science presentations at their respective schools from December 6 to 7. These presentations were designed to impart knowledge about health and the environment to students in a visually appealing, engaging, and artistic manner.

During these school events, Bayer Vietnam, OUCRU, and Khan Quang Do also donated the book “One Health” to the school libraries, making it easier for students to access this valuable scientific resource.

Mr. Vu Duy Thanh, Manager of OUCRU’s Schools Engagement and Youth Science Program, shared: "We hope that by exploring science topics through games and performing arts, teachers and students have gained meaningful experiences through hands-on participation in generating ideas and organising the One Health science fair at their schools. We also hope this inspires teachers to continue researching and developing new teaching methods that make science more accessible, engaging, and encourage greater student participation."

Mr. Nguyen Khac Cuong, Editor-in-Chief of Khan Quang Do, shared: "As children's education journalists, we appreciate the social engagement demonstrated by OUCRU and Bayer Vietnam through the Science Switch project. Targeting children as the audience for science communication is an excellent initiative. Through the learn-while-playing approach, the project has sparked a love of science in children, transforming it from a dry, difficult-to-access concept into ideas that are closely connected to everyday life. Who knows, we may see scientists emerge from this project in the future. And even if they don't become scientists, that’s fine. On their journey to adulthood, they will become passionate science advocates in their communities, contributing to the advancement of health and knowledge."

Earlier this year, in October, 30 teachers from the five aforementioned schools participated in a “Collaborative Creation” training course led by experts in art, education, and science communication. During the course, teachers were instructed on designing and coordinating activities that effectively communicate scientific concepts to students in a creative and deeply interactive fashion. Equipped with innovative skills and fresh perspectives, these educators devised unique strategies to assist students in crafting compelling scientific media projects and games, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the Science Fair's activities.

During the event at which the "One Health" book was presented to Tan Hiep School in Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang Province, Mr Maximilian Rummert, Managing Director-designate of Bayer Vietnam, stated, “As a global leader in life sciences, Bayer is committed to advancing science education and inspiring scientific curiosity in the younger generation. We firmly believe that proactive learning and the practical application of scientific knowledge are pivotal to driving community development. We are immensely proud to collaborate with esteemed partners such as OUCRU and Khan Quang Do on the Science Switch project. We are deeply grateful for the steadfast support extended by the Tien Giang Department of Education and local educators. The collective commitment and collaborative efforts of all stakeholders have been instrumental in the success and impact of this project.”

About One Health book

"One Health" is a scientific publication tailored for students, jointly introduced by OUCRU, Bayer Vietnam, and Khan Quang Do in 2023. This educational resource aims to empower young readers by expanding their comprehension of the overarching One Health concept.

"One Health" revolves around the crucial importance of synchronized and sustainable development among Humans, Animals, and the Environment, fostering a unified "resilience" for our planet. The book highlights the interconnectedness between these three realms, underscoring that when human actions directly or indirectly impact the environment or animals, human health can be at risk, and conversely.

This collaborative effort between the three organizations and a team of over 20 scientists and experts across diverse disciplines has resulted in a publication that was meticulously edited by students, presenting the content in an accessible writing style tailored for young readers.