NSTDA’s youth program includes:
Youth camps. NSTDA regularly organizes science camps on various topics, aiming to promote STEM education among children. Some camps are organized in collaboration with partner agencies, such as the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST), and many are held at Sirindhorn Science Home, a learning center located at the Thailand Science Park designed to provide children with opportunities to acquire skills in science and technology. Youth camps are offered in various disciplines such as math and science camp, and E-Camp (electronics camp).
Learning media. With core competency in science and technology, NSTDA supports the development of learning media that can propagate science education nationwide. Notable example is KidBright, an embedded board developed by NECTEC-NSTDA as a tool for kids to easily learn about coding. In 2018, with the special budget allocated by the Thai Ministry of Science and Technology, NSTDA launched “Coding at School” campaign, distributing 200,000 digital boards to 1,000 schools nationwide and organizing “train the trainers” session for 500 teachers.
Fabrication Lab at School. With the support of Ministry of Science and Technology, Fabrication Labs were set up in 150 schools and technical colleges in 2018, with an aim to unleash students’ creativity and skills in design, research and engineering and physically create innovations in schools. NSTDA worked with 10 universities to train teachers and provide mentoring for Fabrication Labs.
Little Scientists’ House Thailand. This is a project under the initiative of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. It is co-implemented by various local organizations, in close collaboration with the Haus der kleinen Forscher Foundation. Little Scientists’ House Thailand aims to promote natural science education among children of 3-6 years old by offering training and learning materials to science educators and creating a community of practice among science teachers at the provincial, regional and national levels. NSTDA’s role in this project is to serve as a core-trainer and responsible for providing training to teachers in its network on the use of learning media and techniques to engage students.
Thailand Children's University Project. Established in 2012, Thailand Children’s University Project aims to encourage primary-, secondary- and high-school students to become involved in science-learning activities by creating awareness of the importance of science studies and developing science teaching. The project is managed by NSTDA and the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST), with support and participation from Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Kenan Institute Asia and a network of universities. The project opens opportunities for students to learn science outside the classroom and without textbooks; to encourage students to link science with their daily lives and give them the ability to apply their learning by creating useful innovations to benefit different dimensions of society. Their experimentations are closely coached and advised by mentors who are researchers and experts drawn from NSTDA and participating universities.
Science Competition. Competition is another platform that NSTDA creates for which children can exercise their creativity and innovation. Currently, NSTDA and its national research centers are the organizers and/or supporters of Young Scientist Competition (YSC), National Software Contest (NSC) and Robot Design Contest (RDC). Winners of these competitions are provided with opportunities of a life time to compete in the world-class events. Winners of NSC, YSC and RDC are sponsored to compete in the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA), the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), and the International Design Contest (IDC ROBOCON), respectively.