On 22 July, the Faculty of Geology at VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS), in collaboration with the International Geoscience Education Organisation (IGEO), hosted the scientific conference ‘Earth Science STEAM Education following IGEO Guidelines and the IESO Competition’. The event contributed to driving innovation in Earth Science education through an interdisciplinary approach, linking theoretical concepts with experimental work and field study, whilst strengthening international connections in training and research. The conference brought together academic staff and students from the Faculty of Geology, experts from the International Geoscience Education Organisation (IGEO), and delegates interested in Earth Science education.

This gathering served as the concluding activity of a broader initiative comprising the IGEO-oriented Earth Science STEAM Field-based Class—held from 18 to 20 July 2026—and the main scientific conference. Organized to facilitate dialogue on STEAM-focused Earth Science pedagogical methods, the series established a foundation for professional collaboration between HCMUS and IGEO in the coming years.

IGEO is an international body dedicated to Earth Science education, operating under the auspices of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). The organisation founded and coordinates the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO), one of 12 prestigious international science Olympiads for secondary school students, attracting participants from over 30 countries and territories annually.

During the conference, Prof. Nir Orion delivered a keynote address entitled Earth System Approach – A New Perspective in Earth Science STEAM Education. The presentation introduced the Earth System Approach, emphasizing the vital role of Earth Science education in heightening public awareness regarding the environment, natural resources, and natural hazard mitigation.

Prof. Nir Orion observed that Earth Science education must integrate foundational knowledge, experimental models, and fieldwork. This methodology enables learners to foster logical reasoning, systems thinking, critical analysis, and cross-disciplinary synthesis. Insights gained from global implementation indicate that field-integrated educational models significantly enhance the appeal of Earth Science disciplines amongst prospective students.

Following this address, Dr Phạm Thanh Thùy—lecturer in the Faculty of Geology, IGEO Council member, and National Coordinator for the International Earth Science Olympiad in Viet Nam—presented Development of Earth Science STEAM Education Model at Faculty of Geology: From the Experimental STEAM Field-based Class in Khanh Hoa (IGEO Framework) to Practical Applications. The presentation outlined the evolution of the Earth Science STEAM educational model at HCMUS since 2022. Through educational outreach, experiential learning, and public science communication, the model has reached over 5,000 students from primary to upper secondary levels, bringing Earth Science closer to school pupils.

Dr Phạm Thanh Thùy also shared outcomes from the pilot scheme conducted in Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa, from 18 to 20 July 2026. Prior to the sessions, IGEO experts and HCMUS academic staff conducted field surveys to localize and translate international teaching materials into Vietnamese, ensuring alignment with national geological contexts and educational requirements.

The pilot scheme combined classroom learning with field studies, allowing participants to observe phenomena, record data, connect theoretical concepts with natural environments, and apply insights to practical scenarios. Building upon these results, the Faculty of Geology aims to further refine teaching materials and academic curricula tailored to Viet Nam’s natural and geological features, whilst preparing to select and train the national team for the International Earth Science Olympiad.

Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Phạm Trung Hiếu, Dean of the Faculty of Geology, highlighted the pilot scheme as a meaningful milestone in widening public access to Earth Science education. He affirmed that HCMUS will continue collaborating with IGEO across training, research, and educational development.

To mark the occasion, Prof. Nir Orion presented the Faculty of Geology with a set of localized teaching materials developed following the pilot programme in Khánh Hòa. These resources will enrich teaching, research, and STEAM outreach within HCMUS.

Following the conference, the IGEO delegation visited the Geological Museum at HCMUS, exploring specimen collections and gaining insight into academic and research initiatives.

The conference and field class reflect the commitment of the Faculty of Geology to modernizing Earth Science pedagogy by pairing academic study with field experience and international standards. Through these efforts, Earth Science is framed not merely as the study of our planet, resources, and environment, but as an essential foundation for developing systems thinking, interdisciplinary competence, and a commitment to sustainable development.