Thanks to a project called Science in Rural Schools (SiRs), children in this isolated area have had a chance to learn science to improve their thinking.

Initiated by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), the project is to develop science-learning and teaching systems for schools in remote areas. It's intended to stimulate an interest in science amongst children so they can adopt new knowledge for use in their daily lives.

Almost a decade after science first came to schools in Mae Hong Son, children have improved their thinking processes, said NSTDA president Sakarindr Bhumiratana. Now children adapt scientific theory to address problems they find in the community.

The improvement of children's scientific knowledge was proven by more than 90 science projects demonstrated at the annual Mae Hong Son Science Exhibition two weeks ago. All the projects, which were developed by schoolchildren around the province, showed children's talents in applying scientific theory to assist the community.

A science teacher from Mae Sariang district said that once children knew more about science and had better thinking processes, they could blend their theoretical knowledge with local wisdom and develop their projects, all of which serve local needs.

Many projects on show utilised natural materials found in the area to develop, for example, new chemical-free products, while several projects were intended to preserve the environment.

Sakarindr said children now had a better grasp of the subject and they could link science with their surroundings. Importantly, they could use science to make things for their communities.

The agency also has a plan to create networks with universities to allow children in Mae Hong Son to learn science at a higher level.

"We want to give people in the province enough knowledge so they can come back and improve their communities," he said.