Phan school friends won first prize in science and technology competition with anti-flooding invention

(Baonghean) - Before having a complete "Automatic system to prevent water from flooding into the house" to enter the competition, Bao Kien and Thai Hung had to make and redo 4 models, not to mention many failed experiments.

Passionate about researching devices and engines, two close friends in class 12A3 of Phan Boi Chau High School have succeeded in creating an "Automatic system to prevent water from flooding into the house" and won first prize in the national science and technology competition for high school students. They are Dang Thai Hung and Nguyen Van Bao Kien.

Thai Hung said, “Because of our common interests in technology and the environment, Bao Kien and I quickly became close, especially during the period of reviewing for the national Physics team selection exam.” The idea of ​​making an “Automatic system to prevent water from flooding into houses” was sparked by both of them when they witnessed people suffering from floods and high tides in many provinces and cities in Vietnam, including Vinh city.

Dang Thai Hung (left) and Nguyen Van Bao Kien. Photo: Chu Thanh

Thai Hung and Bao Kien started working on the idea in May 2016, when they were 11th graders. “From the process of coming up with the idea, starting to implement the system until completion was a difficult process,” Thai Hung recalls.

Before having a complete “Automatic system to prevent water from entering the house” to submit to the competition, Bao Kien and Thai Hung had to make and redo 4 models, not to mention many failed experiments. Almost for 3 months of summer, every day the two of them sat researching, planning, and assembling the model.

Bao Kien confided that the first time we started working on the system was the most difficult time due to lack of documents, experience and time. “As students in the Physics class, our study schedule was heavier than usual. Taking advantage of our free time and summer vacation, we went online to search for information through foreign videos and documents. Fortunately, during the process of building the system, we received support from our families, teachers, and the school board. Especially the help of Physics teacher Mai Van Quyen.”

Many times, the two of you felt stuck because you were going in the wrong direction. Sometimes the model didn't work, or when the feasibility in practice wasn't high... At those times, you both encouraged each other to overcome it and patiently worked with the teacher to correct it.

Dang Thai Hung (left) and Nguyen Van Bao Kien next to the flood prevention invention model. Photo: Provided by the character

After 7 months of hard work, Bao Kien and Thai Hung's "brainchild" was completed. The automatic system to prevent water from flooding into the house uses rubber bands made from bicycle tires to pump/release air to operate the glass panels to seal the gaps. The system will send text messages to notify users of flooding conditions. Before competing at the national level, Bao Kien and Thai Hung's system competed at the provincial level and received high praise from the judges.

Thai Hung said that the first time participating in the national science and technology competition for high school students in the 2016-2017 school year held in Phu Tho, the two students were a bit nervous but most of all, they were very excited to witness the creative products of their peers across the country. The most proud and joyful thing was that the "Automatic system to prevent water from flooding into the house" attracted the attention of many students, teachers and people. "Some people even asked for our design and email to discuss further," Thai Hung excitedly said.

Chu Thanh