The Institute for Innovative Learning (IL), Mahidol University, organized the workshop “Exploring Science and Innovation” for Grade 4/3–5/3 students from the SME Special Classroom Program at Koh Mak Secondary School, Phatthalung Province, on August 9, 2026, at the Chailerd Pichitpornchai Conference Room, 1st Floor, Institute for Innovative Learning, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom.
The workshop was designed to provide students with opportunities to explore science and technology through hands-on learning experiences, with an emphasis on analytical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and the practical application of scientific and technological knowledge. The activities reflected the Institute’s approach to designing learner-centered experiences that connect knowledge with experimentation and real-world applications.
The program featured a series of interactive learning activities. The first activity, “The Deadly Bridge,” was conducted by Dr. Phongphatai Kitroongrojjanaporn, Mr. Namchok Khunmuenwong, and Mr. Phattanaphong Khonthiang. The activity encouraged students to engage in problem-solving challenges that required planning, analytical thinking, decision-making, and teamwork.
The second activity, “Blood Investigation,” was also led by Dr. Phongphatai Kitroongrojjanaporn, Mr. Namchok Khunmuenwong, and Mr. Phattanaphong Khonthiang. Through a science-based investigative approach, students were encouraged to observe, analyze evidence, apply reasoning, and connect scientific knowledge with practical situations. The activity provided an opportunity for students to develop systematic thinking through an engaging learning experience.
The workshop continued with “Critical Thinking (Drones),” led by Dr. Phongphatai Kitroongrojjanaporn, Mr. Namchok Khunmuenwong, and Mr. Phattanaphong Khonthiang. The activity focused on critical thinking, problem analysis, solution design, and the application of technology through drone-related learning experiences. By actively participating in the activity, students were encouraged to explore how technology can be used as a tool for solving problems and creating innovative solutions.
The program concluded with a knowledge review and reflection session, during which students reflected on what they had learned throughout the activities and explored how programming knowledge could be further applied to develop robotics innovations in everyday life. This closing activity helped connect the students’ learning experiences with possible future applications of programming and robotics.
The workshop demonstrated the Institute for Innovative Learning’s contribution to designing learner-centered and experiential learning environments by integrating science, technology, STEM, programming, robotics, and critical thinking into hands-on educational activities. Rather than simply receiving information, students were encouraged to think, experiment, solve problems, collaborate, and reflect on their learning experiences.
From an impact perspective, the workshop provided students with opportunities to experience learning beyond the conventional classroom setting while developing essential future-ready skills, including analytical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and technological application. The visit to the Institute’s learning and innovation facilities further broadened students’ perspectives on science and technology and encouraged them to envision new possibilities for learning and innovation.
The “Exploring Science and Innovation” workshop therefore represents another important contribution of the Institute for Innovative Learning in bringing its expertise in learning innovation, educational technology, STEM education, and experiential learning design to school-level learners. By creating opportunities for students to learn through authentic experiences, the Institute supports the development of learners who are capable of applying knowledge, thinking creatively, and engaging with technology to address challenges in the future.
Through initiatives of this kind, the Institute for Innovative Learning continues to advance an educational approach that connects “Knowledge – Hands-on Practice – Technology – Creativity”, supporting the development of learners and contributing to the advancement of innovative learning and education for society.
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