Science is Fun! See! Touch! Try! Annual natural science workshop held at YSU

In general education institutions, schoolchildren studying natural science subjects often lack hands-on experience and practical engagement in scientific experiments. To make science subjects more engaging and accessible, the YSU Continuing Education Center has been organizing an annual summer natural science workshop for the second year. This workshop provides students with the opportunity to understand "how the world around us works" through hands-on scientific experiments and practical activities. 

Within the framework of the program, students in grades 8-12 learned to independently perform practical works and scientific experiments with the help of YSU professors and students. The subjects covered include "Physics", "Molecular Physics", "Organic Chemistry", "Inorganic Chemistry", "Geomorphological Mapping and Geomorphology and "Biology". 

Speaking about the program's purpose and importance, Tatevik Khachatryan, the chief specialist of the Department of Professional Development Courses at the YSU Continuing Education Center, noted: "Considering the fact that students usually do not have the opportunity to engage in practical laboratory work, we decided to fill that gap by organizing natural science workshops at the university. The positive feedback received last year prompted us to continue this initiative, and we are excited to announce an updated and more engaging program for this year."

While conducting experiments in the YSU laboratories, students learned about various topics such as the polarization of light, optical fibers, methods for distinguishing mushrooms growing in the territory of Armenia, the differences between embryophytes and thallophytes, techniques for evaluating the viability of human carcinogenic cells using the trypan blue exclusion test, and DNA extraction from bananas using soapy water. These engaging scientific experiments provided them with a deeper understanding of the world around them.

When discussing the workshops and opportunities provided, program participant Natali Barseghyan said: "I can definitely say that I will participate in the workshop again with great pleasure, and I will also recommend it to my friends. This workshop provides a fantastic opportunity to "touch" nature and understand its "working mechanism". The classes are held in a friendly and cheerful environment, offering not just new knowledge but also the chance to make lasting friendships."

During the three-week workshop, schoolchildren visited the university for 3-4 hours, two days a week. The workshops were held in YSU laboratories and auditoriums equipped with the latest technologies, focusing on natural science subjects.

At the conclusion of the natural science workshop, participants were awarded graduation certificates in recognition of their participation.