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Strengthening School-Based Environmental Education in Da Nang through Experiential and STEAM Teaching

Ced Article 1

Plastic waste is becoming a serious concern in Viet Nam, with an estimated 60,000 tons of municipal solid waste generated each day. [1] By 2030, domestic waste is expected to reach 54 million tons, placing growing pressure on communities, ecosystems and local waste systems. Although many cities have good collection services, open burning at landfill sites remains common and continues to pose environmental and health risks. [2]

To help address these challenges, the Environmental Pollution Programme in Viet Nam (EPP VN), led by the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution with local partners, is strengthening environmental education and community action in Da Nang.  As part of this effort, the Center for Education and Development (CED) worked from October to November 2025 to train 159 teachers in experiential and STEAM-based approaches to plastic waste education. With support from specialists at the Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences, the workshops reached schools that together serve more than 4400 students, including many girls, students from low-income households and children with mild autism or attention difficulties, highlighting the importance of inclusive and practical teaching methods.

Group of teachers in Hoa Khuong Primary School and Nguyen Hong Anh Secondary School during the experiential and STEAM education training session in Da Nang.
Group of teachers in Hoa Khuong Primary School and Nguyen Hong Anh Secondary School during the experiential and STEAM education training session in Da Nang.

Key Activities

  • Strengthened teachers’ use of experiential and STEAM methods for more practical, engaging environmental lessons.

  • Helped schools integrate plastic waste and sustainability themes into classes and activities.

  • Guided schools in developing implementation plans that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and responsible environmental behaviour.

A group of teachers worked together during the STEAM training, presenting ideas for a sustainable waste management lesson.
A group of teachers worked together during the STEAM training, presenting ideas for a sustainable waste management lesson.

Emerging Results

Teachers reported greater confidence in using active learning and designing lessons that link environmental issues to real life. Schools also began updating teaching plans with hands-on activities to help students understand plastic waste, reduce use, and sort waste properly.

“The training provided teachers with new ways to turn plastic waste lessons into meaningful real-life learning experiences. Our students will now be able to better understand the impacts of single-use plastics, reduce unnecessary consumption, and learn how to sort and collect waste properly.”

– Mr Tran Son, Principal, Hoa Phuoc Primary School

Mr. Tran Son (Hoa Phuoc Primary School Principal) and the participating teachers.
Mr. Tran Son (Hoa Phuoc Primary School Principal) and the participating teachers.

Looking Ahead

From December 2025 to March 2026, participating schools will deliver five experiential lessons on The Life Cycle of Plastic, host experience days to showcase student initiatives, and run weekly plastic waste collection activities. These actions support the programme’s goal of strengthening school-based education on waste reduction and promoting sustainable alternatives.

Sustainable waste management lesson plan from participated teachers.
Sustainable waste management lesson plan from participated teachers.

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The design and implementation of this project have been accomplished through a collaborative effort with the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) and funded by UK International Development from the UK government through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Citation: 

  1. “Áp lực về vấn đề xử lý rác thải sinh hoạt ở nước ta hiện nay.” Bộ Công Nghiệp và Môi Trường, 20 2 2023, https://vea.mae.gov.vn/quan-ly-chat-thai/5745/ap-luc-ve-van-de-xu-ly-rac-thai-sinh-hoat-o-nuoc-ta-hien-nay. Accessed 8 12 2025.

  2. UN Environment Programme. “OPEN BURNING IN VIET NAM: A Case Study on Status, Impacts, and Solutions.” Clean Air Asia, 12 2020, https://cleanairasia.org/sites/default/files/2024-10/CleanAirAsia%2C%20UNEP%20%282021%29%20Open%20Burning%20Case%20Study%20in%20VN.pdf. Accessed 8 12 2025.