OVERVIEW
Within the framework of Science Film Festival 2021 (SFF 2021) project, jointly implemented by Goethe-Institut and Center for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS), the workshop series aim to raise scientific awareness through international films with educational activities, the experiential workshop series “When GenZ chooses to live green” is organized with the desire to evoke the passion for science among young people – especially GenZ, towards a healthy green lifestyle, motivating creative thinking, and applying science in life through experiential activities combined with scientific film screening. From October to November, the workshop series has received the response of high school students across the country, typically Duong Van Thi High School (Thu Duc City), Bac Giang High School for the Gifted, Nguyen Trai High School (Thai Binh), Tuyen Quang High School for the Gifted, Vinh Phuc High School for the Gifted.
WORKSHOP 1: “HELLO, PLASTIC!”: GREEN SPACE FOR GEN Z TO LEARN THE ENVIRONMENT
In the first part of the workshop, the students had time to interact and get acquainted through interesting and light activities related to microplastics. Thereby, they got the opportunity to look back on their own plastic usage habits as well as to share solutions to reduce plastic.
After the interactive activities, the students learned about microplastics, hidden plastics, and the environmental impact of teabags through two visual science videos. Referring to the not-easy-to-discuss topic, the videos explained problems with vivid images and analytical experiments to help convey knowledge effectively.
In addition to watching videos and interacting through games, students participated in a group challenge called “Traffic Lights” on Jamboard. In this activity, the green light represented actions that should be started to reduce plastic. The yellow light indicated actions that should be continued to maintain a green lifestyle, and the red light demonstrated actions that should be stopped to protect the environment.
The workshop series with theme 1 “Hello, Plastic!” is really a healthy and open space to share practical solutions to reduce plastic, towards a safe, green, and healthy lifestyle for both people and the earth. “Better understanding for better health.”
WORKSHOP 2: “WHAT DO YOU EAT IN YOUR TEENS?” – DOES NUTRITION SHAPE YOU?
The workshop started with a gentle warm-up that allowed the students took advantage of Zoom’s “Annotate” function to opt for the most frequently eaten snacks. Funny activities heated up the program atmosphere, helping the students feel more comfortable when sharing about their own diet.
Next, the students participated in the activity: Watching videos – Answering questions with 2 videos in turn about “The changing status of rural diet when there are general lifestyle changes” and “The story of a household with members with diabetes.” The two films provided participants with new perspectives on diet and its consequences honestly and objectively.
The most special part of the workshop was the sharing of MSc. Ph.D student Nguyen Ngoc Hung – Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand on diabetes and solutions to maintain a healthy weight through diet. Hung’s share also mentioned milk tea – a popular drink among young people but had potential negative health risks. In addition, he enthusiastically answered all the students’ questions about a healthy diet.
To summarize the knowledge of the entire workshop, the students participated in Kahoot. Finally, the active participants during the workshop and the 3 Kahoot winners joined the exciting gift selection. The workshop ended with meaningful messages such as Interesting, Healthy, Useful, etc. Hopefully, the workshop has left a good impression and positive impact on students.
WORKSHOP 3: “HOW TO LIVE GREEN FROM A to a” – WHEN GREEN LIFE IS A SUSTAINABLE WAY
At the beginning of the workshop, the students together completed the drawing from the ‘tree trunk’ details through Zoom’s “Annotate” function. Colorful works that gradually appeared under the interest of the authors and the organizers headed up the atmosphere and increased the excitement.
Next, students participated in the activity of watching movies and answering questions with two documentary videos about “Permaculture” and “Earth Care” respectively. To deepen the knowledge from the two videos, they stood the opportunity of testing their memory in the useful and dramatic Kahoot game.
In addition to individual activities, students also participated in group activities to complete the challenge of creating slogans and posters around the theme of environment and green life. The release of s series of fun and eye-catching works showed the boundless and flexible creativity of Gen Z such as: Lead the scene – Keep it green, Sống xanh – lanh chanh tới hạnh phúc, Xả rác là tự đào mộ cho con cháu, etc.
At the end of the workshop, the students not only received useful knowledge and useful ‘green’ gifts but also had good memories with their friends.
The workshop series “When Gen Z chooses to live green” is held many times per week from October to December with interesting and useful activities and attractive gifts. Stay tuned for information about the ‘Science Quiz’ contest held this December at the website.