Through knowledge and action to protect the Earth
International Earth Day is a unique holiday. The Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering of the Silesian University of Technology joined the celebrations for the second time, organizing Earth Day on April 22nd. About 150 secondary school pupils took part in it.
The event aims to draw attention to the environmental challenges of the contemporary world and show how important role science, technology and education plays in solving them. The theme of this year’s edition was “Planet of the Future – Technology in the Service of Nature.” It refers to the four basic elements of nature. They have been shaping the environment of our planet for centuries, and today, thanks to the development of science and technology, we can protect and manage it more and more effectively.
- Earth Day is a unique celebration that reminds us of the need to care for our planet and to take action for sustainable development. It is a moment of reflection on the state of the environment, but also an opportunity to talk about solutions and technologies that can have a real impact on the future of our planet. Our Faculty has been actively involved in the development of modern pro-ecological technologies for years. We carry out numerous research projects and develop innovative solutions in the field of renewable energy sources, circular economy and air, water, and soil protection technologies. Thanks to the involvement of our scientists and students, solutions are created that can realistically contribute to the improvement of the environment and the quality of life – says the Vice-Dean for Infrastructure and Organization at the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Krzysztof Pikoń, who welcomed the participants of the event.
During this year’s Earth Day celebrations, the organizers wanted to show how environmental engineering and energy use modern technological solutions to support the balance between the development of civilization and the protection of nature. In this way, the traditional symbolism of the four elements meets the vision of a planet of the future, in which technology becomes a tool to support the environment, not a threat to it. About thirty students from the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering of the Silesian University of Technology were involved in the preparation of the event.
- We have a very active Student Self-Government headed by Chairwoman Anna Piotrowska and active students and thanks to this we manage to organize many such events. We want to involve young people so that they can test themselves in such activities. I think that the model of education we focus on – based on projects and real and independent action, is the most effective. We give them tools and they use them. With this edition, having a full impact on the shape of the event, they coped perfectly. In addition, the workshops were also attended by scientific and didactic staff from our Faculty, assisted by students. Thanks to this, we presented several laboratories and experiments – adds Dean Krzysztof Pikoń.
The event was attended by about 150 pupils from four secondary schools: Technical School No. 1 School Complex No. 1 named after G. Morcinkek in Tychy, Technical School Complex in Bytom, Electronic, Electrical and Mechanical Schools Complex named after Jędrzej Śniadecki in Bielsko-Biała and the Academic Secondary Comprehensive School of the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice.
- It was a big challenge for us, but many people helped us a lot. We have prepared many workshops, including those related to renewable energy, 3D printing technology, microplastics or air pollution. We wanted to show the participants how important environmental protection is and what we learn on a daily basis at our Faculty – says Aleksandra Szyma, organizer and student at the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering.
In conducting the workshops were also involved student research clubs from the Faculty: Student Research Club EcoTech Lab, Student Research Club the Air Quality Team and Student Research Club of Biotechnology students.
- We presented the workshop "Invisible Air Passengers" about microorganisms that surround us. We explained to the participants the syndrome of a sick building, which is an increasingly observed phenomenon, which causes various types of ailments, such as headaches, fatigue, irritability. This is caused, among other things, by air pollutants such as chemicals and microorganisms, fungi, and moulds. Nowadays, we spend the vast majority of our time in buildings and if they are poorly ventilated, this is the effect – explains Natalia Patoń from SKN the Air Quality Team. - We also prepared a practical part for the students – they could get acquainted with the equipment that is used for the collection of microorganisms, i.e. Andersen’s six-stage impactor.
The pupils, divided into groups, were guided through the laboratories and subsequent workshops. They emphasized that they had a good time getting to know the Faculty, scientists and equipment on which they work.
- It is a great initiative. We could get a closer look at what the University looks like and get to know the laboratories. We do not have such an opportunity on a daily basis, and Earth Day was an excellent opportunity - says Emil, a pupil of the Technical School Complex in Bytom.
