Great success of the pupils of the Academic Secondary Comprehensive School of the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice
Oliwia Moucka and Jakub Cebula, pupils of the Academic Secondary Comprehensive School of the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, became winners of the Team Poland 2026 - AI Worden Endeavour Scholarship competition. The prize will be a one-week trip to the United States to the Space Camp U.S. Space & Rocket Centre in Huntsville. The final of the competition took place on May 25th at the Silesian Planetarium.
This is a great success of our pupils because the team from Poland will consist of only four people. In addition to the trip, the winners received certificates of scholarship, special jackets, and backpacks. Their trip to the United States will take place in July.
Oliwia and Jakub are pupils of the 2nd class in Gliwice ALO (Academic Secondary Comprehensive School.) To get to the grand finale, they had to make a two-minute film about their project or interests first.
- I told you about my PBL project implemented at the Silesian University of Technology, which concerns natural pesticides in plant protection - says Oliwia Moucka
- I mentioned my interests in electronics and mechanics and the projects I do at school - explains Jakub Cebula.
The subject matter of the films did not have to be related to space, but as the students admit, they found some cosmic connections in them.
- I am fascinated by space issues related to ecology. I combined it with the subject of terraforming of Mars, i.e. the possibility of growing plants there – says Oliwia.
- In my case, it was a combination of mechanical and electronic skills with a space mission, such as limiting the tools and materials used, - Jakub says.
In the final, in groups of 5 people, they had to face two challenges, during which they created creative solutions to the problems posed. As the organizers admit, the competition was not looking for individualists, but team players who with their commitment, creativity and excellent communication skills were able to find themselves in any situation and gain the sympathy of other team members.
After the verdict was announced, the surprise and joy of our pupils was enormous. In the Silesian Planetarium, their parents celebrated together with them.
- It was a tremendous joy for all of us, - said the pupil.
- We did not believe that as many as two people from one school can go to the United States - adds Jakub, who adds that he can not wait for this trip. – The very stay and getting to know the culture of this country is already something amazing. In addition, the training of the astronaut that awaits us also stimulates the imagination.
Dr Małgorzata Szymaszek, a teacher of physics at ALO in Gliwice was the supervisor of the pupils in the final of the competition. It is also her great success, because let us remind you that in the same competition two years ago, Beniamin Kopiec then a pupil of ALO and presently a student at the Silesian University of Technology, was also the winner. He spoke about his impressions after returning from the United States in our podcast: “Let’s talk about science”: https://polsl.transistor.fm/78
- In the final there were twenty participants, and earlier dozens of applications from all over Poland. This is a great success for our pupils, and I am proud of them. I will also add that Aleksander Masztalski and Wojciech Lacheta were also in the final - recalls Dr Małgorzata Szymaszek.
The Polish team is complemented by Maria Mikulik and Antoni Dziadzio and teacher Monika Machula. The competition for the selection of the team was conducted by the Polish Space Agency in partnership with the Silesian Planetarium and the Foundation “Science - I like it!” The participation of the Polish team in the program is possible thanks to the sponsor: The Endeavor Scholarship Foundation.
Our team will join participants from the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Ukraine, USA, Chile, and the United Kingdom.
- That is why I am most happy that there will be a chance to meet people from completely different countries around the world - adds Oliwia. – We immediately got characteristic jackets, which are such a symbol of this trip. And although we still have two months to wait, we feel that we have a great adventure ahead of us.
Photograph: Martin Huć
