The summer school, held in Bratislava, Slovakia, from August 26–30, 2024, gathered a total of 37 participants, including 24 students and 13 staff members from Bosnia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. The program focused on three major chemistry fields: Food Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Cosmetic Chemistry.
Students were divided into four teams, each containing one student from each participating country, except for the organizing school, SOŠCH, which had two students per team. This grouping encouraged cross-cultural collaboration and peer learning. Each team was further split into two groups (A and B), participating in different laboratory activities that covered a range of chemical analyses.
Laboratory Work Highlights:
- Group A: Engaged in activities such as the determination of sucrose in soft drinks and the measurement of sodium chloride in salt brine.
- Group B: Focused on tasks such as determining sulfur dioxide levels in wine and conducting various pharmaceutical and cosmetic chemistry experiments.
Objectives for Students:
- Develop Analytical Skills: Through practical chemical analyses like spectrophotometry and titration, students enhanced their laboratory expertise.
- Collaborative Learning: Team-based activities fostered collaborative problem-solving and communication skills.
- Data Processing and Interpretation: Students learned to process experimental data and interpret results accurately.
- Cultural Exchange: Participants engaged in cultural activities, including city tours, promoting intercultural understanding.
- Presentation Skills: Students prepared and presented their findings at the end of the program, honing their scientific communication abilities.
Objectives for Teachers:
- Exchange Pedagogical Practices: Teachers participated in workshops to share best practices, particularly on integrating technology like AI and sensors into chemistry lessons.
- Professional Development: Workshops such as “Exploring Chemical Information” and “Integrating Erasmus Program Priorities” helped teachers stay updated on modern educational methods.
Competencies Development:
Participants of the summer school worked on key competences as recommended by the Council of the European Union for lifelong learning. These included:
- Multilingual Competence: Students practiced English, Czech, Slovak, and Bosnian languages, utilizing AI-based translation tools.
- Mathematical and Science Competence: Hands-on chemical analyses, titration techniques, and the use of spectrophotometry enhanced their scientific proficiency.
- Digital Competence: They used office applications, graphic design tools, and mobile apps to process and present data.
Cultural and Social Activities
In addition to academic training, participants were engaged in cultural exploration. They toured Bratislava's city center, participated in the Culture Quest (a fun educational activity that included singing and dancing from different European countries), and interacted with local students. These activities promoted cultural awareness, one of the essential pillars of the project.
Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
