Children’s and Youth Scientific University: «Carousel of Directions» group

Every Saturday, students in grades 6-7 attend classes of the «Carousel of Directions» group of the Children’s and Youth Scientific University of the Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University, get acquainted with modern professions, the latest scientific and practical developments.

The topics of the group’s classes are aimed at solving a complex issue or real problem, which can only be considered in the context of several disciplines, which fully corresponds to the concept of STEM education.

In particular, the acting head of the Department of Systems Analysis and Computational Mathematics Elina Tereshchenko, at the class «What are optimal decisions and how to make them» together with the students, analyzed the basic concepts related to optimal decisions. Students learned how their decisions affect our daily lives, and examined the different stages of decision approval and basic strategies that can be used for effective analysis of alternatives. Students participated in practical tasks and games where they applied the acquired knowledge and skills in real situations.

Under the guidance of Anna Lapteva, Associate Professor of the Department of Integrated Welding Technologies and Structural Modeling, in a lesson on the topic «Clash of the Titans: Artificial Intelligence vs. Engineers», students saw examples of the physical laws by which we exist and learned how humanity has tamed the majestic power of chemistry. In a popular science quiz, they competed with artificial intelligence and exposed all its mistakes. They also recalled with delight films where the main characters use technologies and knowledge in the field of welding, casting, and materials science.

We are grateful to the director of the Children’s and Youth Scientific University, Olena Nazarova, for organizing the lesson; for the initiative and creative approach to the teachers of Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic Elina Tereshchenko, Hanna Lapteva and all the children for their active participation and interest.

We look forward to the next meetings!