Design a green future with us – ecological workshops for young people
They conducted experiments and analyses of waste, looked for solutions working in a group and in practice learned the principles of circular economy – students of Silesian Technical Educational Centre in Katowice took part in laboratory workshops organized by scientists from the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering and the Centre of Climate and Environmental Protection of the Silesian University of Technology.
The aim of the workshops was to make young people aware of why the responsible and sustainable management of waste is of great importance for environmental and climate protection.
The classes were conducted in the formula “Project Based Learning” (PBL), thanks to which the participants got acquainted with issues related to ecology and circular economy in a practical way. In the laboratories of the Centre for New Technologies of the Silesian University of Technology, they had the opportunity to conduct research on the leachability of pollutants from waste, independently, but under the watchful eye of scientists, conducted a number of experiments and analyses, which allowed them to better understand the impact of waste on the environment and the role of recycling.
“We wanted to introduce something that triggers energy and creativity. The reactions of the students were very positive, we heard many warm words for creating a space in which they could cooperate and learn through action and solving problems” – said Dr Eng. Monika Czop from the Department of Technologies and Installations for Waste Management, who together with Dr Eng. Małgorzata Kajda-Szcześniak developed and conducted workshops.
Scientists from the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering year by year observe the increase of environmental awareness among young people, their commitment and willingness to act in the field of climate change. Thanks to the workshops “Design a green future with us,” young people gained a new perspective on waste. In addition, pupils had the opportunity to learn the formula of PBL classes, which are conducted at the Silesian University of Technology and are popular among students.
photo: Monika Czop
