Amid the growing trend of sustainable living, 9th-grade students at The Dewey Schools have taken an innovative approach with their natural sciences project, Vibe Hữu Cơ (Organic Vibe). Rather than stopping at theoretical research, these TDSers have turned their ideas into reality by creating eco-friendly organic products, transforming scientific knowledge into valuable hands-on experiences.
Speaking about the motivation behind the project, Nghia Dung (9Eger) shared, “Through our research, we realized that chemicals in everyday consumer products not only affect human health but also harm the environment. With our passion for science and a desire to promote sustainable living, we decided to create safe, organic products ourselves, contributing to a positive change.”
After nearly a month of dedication, six teams presented their projects in a dynamic showcase. Their products—such as beeswax candles, lip balm, and organic soap—were not just personal care items or home decorations but also carried a meaningful message of environmental appreciation and sustainable consumption.
Creating high-quality products was no easy feat. The teams faced numerous challenges, from failed soap batches and clumped wax to excessive foam and candles that lacked fragrance. However, instead of giving up, they persevered, continuously refining their formulas and applying chemistry concepts such as saponification, fat and alkali solubility, and the properties of fatty acids and natural pigments. During the project showcase, teams shared valuable lessons learned from their setbacks.
For Hoang Lam (9Lisbon), this project was an opportunity to develop teamwork, creative thinking, and a strong sense of responsibility. “The process of sourcing natural ingredients and crafting the final products helped us gain a deeper understanding of organic compounds like paraffin, beeswax, and coconut oil. Moving forward, our team plans to scale up production for commercial purposes,” Lam added. The organic products created through this project were gifted to teachers and family members as meaningful tokens of appreciation.
Vibe Hữu Cơ not only allowed 9th-grade students to turn scientific theories from textbooks into tangible, real-world products but also spread a message of community and sustainability. Going beyond a mere academic project, Vibe Hữu Cơ serves as a powerful inspiration for TDSers to continue pursuing green values and contribute to a more sustainable future.
