Applying STEM and the 5E Model to Teaching: “Making Soap from Coconut Oil in Vietnam”

Abstract

Soap is an indispensable product in households, schools, offices, and hospitals in the prevention of diseases such as Covid-19 and respiratory diseases. Vietnam is a country with plentiful coconuts, and the mass production of soap products from coconut oil is feasible and highly competitive. Therefore, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching on the topic of making soap from coconut oil is practically meaningful. As a result, not only are students educated on the importance of soap but also develop their STEM knowledge. They also become engaged in their learning and try hard to perfect their products in the fastest and best way possible. Among the teaching methods of making soap from coconut oil, the 5E (engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation) cycle model is the most appropriate. This teaching model helps students thoroughly explore the knowledge and to work harmoniously in groups. The study aimed to investigate how 9th Grade students at Vo Van Tan Secondary School, Ho Chi Minh City made soap from coconut oil. These students were members of 9A2 and 9A7. After learning how to make soap from coconut oil, students can make similar products, such as dishwashing detergent, from fruit or vegetable peels. This model thus helps students to be creative in STEM disciplines through problem analysis and exploration. We found that the students were very interested in making natural products such as soap and, in addition to STEM and 5E learning, they addressed an important real-world challenge with their own safe and simple handmade soap for hand-washing, disinfecting, and pandemic prevention.