ESG News

Mr. Chao Chen-Sheng, Director of Equipment Section, Hsinchu Girls’ Senior High School

Since 2024, the Novatek Education Foundation has partnered with Hsinchu Girls’ Senior High School (HGSH) to advance science education for young women. In addition to providing student scholarships and funding for science fair projects, the Foundation supports science lectures and hands-on learning programs, contributing to the development of STEM education in girls’ high schools. In 2026, the Foundation organized two sessions of the “Home Appliance Doctor” hands-on science workshop, inviting Mr. Lin Hsuan-An, a teacher from Chang Yi Senior High School with extensive practical teaching experience, to introduce students to electronics and the wide-ranging applications of electronic circuits in everyday life.

A long-time advocate of experiential science education, Mr. Lin has devoted nearly a decade to self-learning electronics while addressing campus equipment and home appliance repair needs, accumulating a wealth of practical expertise. Through the “Home Appliance Doctor” program, electronic components that often appear unfamiliar in introductory high school and university-level electronics courses were transformed from abstract textbook symbols into tangible and engaging real-world applications. Students explored a variety of projects, including touch switches, friendship testers, water-level detectors, paper pianos, and LED dimming circuits. These examples demonstrated how the transistor's fundamental functions of switching and amplification enable diverse applications, offering students a multidimensional introduction to the world of semiconductors.

Throughout the workshops, Mr. Lin utilized project demonstrations, scenario-based questions, and guided discussions to encourage students to think critically about how circuits can be designed to solve real-world problems. By connecting electronic concepts with familiar physics principles and everyday experiences, he helped students grasp abstract theories more effectively. The course also turned mistakes into valuable learning opportunities. For example, discussions arising from short-circuit incidents were extended to topics such as electrical safety and power-source selection, while multimeter measurements introduced concepts including human body resistance and measurement errors. These teaching approaches enabled students to connect theoretical knowledge with practical experience in a meaningful way.

Over the two-day program, students alternated between listening to lectures and assembling electronic circuits. The excitement was evident when their circuits functioned successfully, as many eagerly documented their achievements. When faced with more complex challenges, students demonstrated perseverance by carefully studying circuit diagrams and repeatedly checking their wiring. Through the exploration of a single transistor combined with various sensing components, participants gradually discovered the fascinating capabilities and limitless possibilities of semiconductor devices. While two days are not sufficient to master electronics, the program successfully opened the door to understanding electronic circuits and semiconductor technologies. It also helped students recognize the importance of physics and mathematics as foundational disciplines for future careers in electronics, electrical engineering, and the semiconductor industry.

Student feedback highlighted that the greatest value of hands-on learning lies in active participation and exploration. Some students reported gaining greater confidence in their academic interests and future career aspirations, while others acknowledged the challenges presented by more advanced concepts. These authentic experiences reflect the essence of the learning journey. Many students particularly appreciated the opportunity to build, measure, and troubleshoot circuits themselves, noting that hands-on practice transformed abstract concepts into concrete understanding and provided a strong sense of accomplishment.

Students were also inspired by Mr. Lin’s passion and commitment to teaching, gaining a deeper appreciation that electronic circuits are not merely theoretical knowledge but practical tools capable of solving problems and creating value. Suggestions from participants included extending workshop duration and increasing opportunities for interaction and discussion. These recommendations reinforce an important principle in science education: beyond knowledge transfer, it is equally essential to create an environment that encourages experimentation, embraces curiosity, and fosters learning through failure.

Through initiatives such as the “Home Appliance Doctor” program, the Novatek Education Foundation continues to support inclusive and high-quality STEM education, empowering young women to explore science and technology while cultivating the next generation of innovative talent for a sustainable future.