11th Graders secure Second Prize at Provincial Science and Engineering Fair

At the Provincial Science and Engineering Fair for secondary and high school students for the 2025 – 2026 academic year, two students from Greenfield School Ecopark Campus, Nguyen Quynh Anh (11C1) and Nguyen Duc Minh (11A1), delivered an outstanding performance, securing Second Prize. Their winning project focused on the "Extraction of Ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (EPMC) from Kaempferia galanga for Application in Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, and Analgesic Medicine."

The annual Provincial Science and Engineering Fair, organized by the Department of Education and Training, is an intellectual forum designed to inspire students to engage in scientific research and innovation. By applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, the competition helps students develop comprehensive critical thinking, practical skills, and personal character.

This year’s final round featured 65 projects selected from an initial pool of 178. These included 41 projects from middle schools and 24 from high schools, spanning diverse fields such as social and behavioral sciences, biochemistry, environmental engineering, biomedical and health sciences, system software, and mechanical engineering.

The research conducted by the GFS Ecopark students stood out for its practicality and high applicability. Identifying a gap in domestic research—where EPMC extraction often relies on toxic and expensive solvents—the duo applied their chemistry knowledge to extract the compound using ethanol, an eco-friendly alternative.

Reflecting on the journey, Quynh Anh (11C1) shared: "As this was our first scientific research project, we initially struggled with documentation. However, with the dedicated support of our mentor, we were able to finalize our materials in time for the final presentation before the Board of Judges".

For Duc Minh (11A1), the competition was a lesson in perseverance: "Balancing semester exams with intensive research was a challenge, but the process itself taught me invaluable lessons beyond the classroom".

Ms. Ta Hong Ngoc Anh, a Chemistry teacher at GFS Ecopark and the project’s mentor, praised her students’ ingenuity: "Utilizing Kaempferia galanga—a locally available raw material—to extract EPMC demonstrates exceptional research ability and creativity. For these students, the competition isn't just about winning awards; it's about affirming their passion and embracing the opportunity for hands-on learning."

The school extends its warmest congratulations to Quynh Anh and Duc Minh. We hope you continue to nurture your curiosity and passion for research, creating meaningful values and positive impacts for the community.

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