„Politechnika Project” is now a brand name
54 projects from 30 secondary schools and nearly 140 participants. Another edition of the “Politechnika project” was again a great success. On March 26th, at the Education and Congress Centre of the Silesian University of Technology, a summary of the sixth edition of the project was held.
“The Politechnika Project” is a unique program, which involves pupils of secondary schools in scientific research. It is implemented as part of the project “Initiative of Excellence – Research University.” Young people work in laboratories of the Silesian University of Technology, also using the substantive support of supervisors from the University.
- We have built a brand that is recognizable. School principals inform us that the most talented pupils are joining the Politechnika Project. They want to form projects, come to our University and change the world. I am pleased with the great interest of young people, because we can develop their interests in the field of science and create what is important for all of us - explains the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Anna Chrobok.
Pupils implement projects that respond to current challenges and problems and thus become familiar with the method of conducting classes using the Project Based Learning method, of which the Silesian University of Technology is a leader in Poland. In this edition, 54 teams took part.
- The aim of our project was to study the purity of water bodies by measuring properties such as pH, temperature, and water conductivity. In addition, we also have a tube storage system to examine the water even more thoroughly in the laboratory, for example, what is it contaminated - says Cyprian Moj from School Complex no. 10 in Zabrze, who was in the team of winners of this year's edition. - “Politechnika Project” is an excellent opportunity for development. The help of a scientist and a teacher is invaluable. It was a new experience for me, as well as an opportunity to learn about new areas.
Two years ago, I attended the event as a spectator, and it interested me very much. Already then, I decided that if I had the opportunity, I would like to try my hand at the Politechnika Project. When the chance appeared, I did not think long and I applied to participate - says Michalina Gorczyńska from the third secondary comprehensive in Zabrze, whose team presented the project "Potato Revolution. The construction and study of biological batteries as a source of ecological energy.”
The aim of the Politechnika Project is also to attract talented pupils to study at our University.
- During the poster session, we assessed the attractiveness of the topic, but also the involvement of pupils, the ability to present and the methodology of research that was used. The selection committee selected six outstanding projects. The winners will receive a scholarship of PLN 700 for ten months, implemented during their studies at the Silesian University of Technology. In addition, we reward another project within the framework of EURECA-PRO, not related to the granting of a scholarship, which is consistent with the goals of sustainable development – explains the Director of the College of Studies of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Beata Orlińska, who together with the President of the Student Self-Government of the Silesian University of Technology, Eng. Błażej Brudny, presented the youth with an offer of education at our University.
In the 6th edition of the “Politechnika project”, the Board of Experts awarded the following projects:
- "Remotely operated research boat". Project participants: Cyprian Moj, Bartłomiej Ślusarz, Krzysztof Sot from School Complex No. 10 in Zabrze. Main Project supervisor: Dr Hab. Eng. Roman Czyba, Prof. SUT. Assistant Scientific Supervisor: Sławomir Nadolski.
- "Photochromic sensors - how to detect invisible radiation?" Project participants: Mateusz Szczelaszczyk, Adina Czajkowska, Emilia Kij from the third secondary comprehensive school named after Stefan Batory in Chorzów. Main Project supervisor: Dr Eng. Anna Wolny. Assistant scientific supervisor: M.Sc. Angelika Mieszczanin, Eng. Anita Procek.
- “Natural pesticides in plant protection.” Project participants: Oliwia Moucka, Zuzanna Kozielska, Barbara Chrapek from the Academic Secondary Comprehensive School of the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice. Main Project supervisor: Dr Hab. Eng. Hanna Barchańska, prof SUT. Assistant scientific supervisor: Dr Eng. Magdalena Danek.
- "The HAF-I ecosystem". Project participants: Kacper Kozieł, Mateusz Chołuj, Miłosz Marchewka from the Electronic and Information Technology School Complex in Sosnowiec. Main Project supervisor: Dr Eng. Aleksander Iwaniak.
- ‘Unmanned system for measuring pollution and water quality in waters. Project participants: Piotr Czerwiński, Adam Proske, Mikołaj Saska from the second secondary comprehensive school named after Mikołaj Kopernik in Kędzierzyn-Koźle. Main Project supervisor: Dr Eng. Wawrzyniec Panfil. Assistant scientific supervisor: MSc. Witold Krafczyk, Dr Ryszard Wiśniowski.
- "Adaptive cell responses to multiple exposure to stress factors." Project participants: Barbara Ziemniak, Zofia Kłosowska, Julia Nowak from the first secondary comprehensive school Named after E. Dembowski in Gliwice. Main Project supervisor: Dr Hab. Eng. Roman Jaksik, Prof. SUT. Assistant scientific supervisor: MSc. Wiktoria Płonka, MSc Eng. Daria Kostka.
A distinction within the EURECA-PRO for the project: "Ecological material of the future - the synthesis of geopolymers from fly ash". Project participants: Filip Mruk, Tomasz Gajdzik, Leon Szubert from the fourth secondary comprehensive school named after Bolesław Chrobry in Bytom. Main Project supervisor: Dr Hab. Eng. Klaudiusz Gołombek, prof. SUT.
The partner of the Silesian University of Technology project is the Katowice Special Economic Zone.
