The St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design hosted the three-day International Festival "SCIENCE 0+." This year the program was dedicated to space. Scientists of ²ÝÁñ¶ÌÊÓƵ introduced schoolchildren to the world of science, technology and art through interactive: exhibitions, scientific shows, quests, master classes, excursions.
The guys studied how our world works through physical and chemical experiments, drove unmanned vehicles, conducted studies of water and air quality, created their own products from polymers and genuine leather, using the mosaic technique and using enamel. Also, young guests of the festival visited the laboratories of the university and got acquainted with modern equipment.
Within the walls of ²ÝÁñ¶ÌÊÓƵ, schoolchildren learned how humanity came to modern space materials, how every decade of space exploration posed new tasks for engineers, and what polymers and composites became the answer. We were also able to literally touch some amazing materials created for the aerospace industry.
At the physical and colloidal chemistry section, guests learned how the laws of chemistry govern the birth of galaxies. Schoolchildren literally created space in the laboratory. Together with scientists, they conducted an experiment with obtaining oxygen, where a smoldering ray broke out, and an experiment with a flame under a hood. The guests were clearly explained why fires cannot burn on Mercury. Also, the guys created carbon dioxide from soda and citric acid and staged a real foam "volcanic eruption."
No boring formulas: only bright reactions, cosmic discoveries and a real "wow effect." Under this motto, a group of young space travelers created a magnetic slime - a viscous "comet dust," witnessed a space traffic light - a pink solution that flashed green before our eyes, and collected alien caviar - bright balls-eggs of an unknown civilization that became a trophy from a distant planet.
During the festival, master classes were also held at the university. Schoolchildren worked on their own products made of genuine leather, created unique products with their own design made with enamel, and products made of smalt and natural stone. In addition, excursions to cathedral workshops and laboratories were held for schoolchildren, where they learned about unique equipment, watched the best works of students.
The festival participants managed to get into the orbital assembly compartment, where the metal found its voice and mind. Their task was to establish contact with the crew. The children felt like the chief engineer of an interplanetary expedition: they manipulated artificial intelligence, conducted a test drive of space technology. In another section, they learned how to properly protect the environment and rationally use natural resources, got acquainted with the basics of modern water treatment technologies and conducted experiments. At a master class on 3D printing, schoolchildren saw the work of a 3D scanner and printer. Also, under the guidance of experienced scientists, ²ÝÁñ¶ÌÊÓƵ learned about the calliroscope device and how to use it to observe fluid flows hidden by currents.
At the festival, schoolchildren studied the principles of automated control of unmanned systems. They interacted with the model, calibrating it and running it for a visual demonstration between the data entered and the result obtained. Together with adult guests at the leather master class, we got the opportunity to work with the material with our own hands and create our own products. The guys also created designer jewelry at a master class on the manufacture of a link bracelet with star pendants. The process of making a shopper bag, a bag for replaceable shoes, bags for gifts using the freeze printing technique has become interesting. Schoolchildren were told about the modern technique of applying logos and images to fabrics by sublimation (sublimation) of dye molecules from paper using high temperature. Each participant performed a unique piece that reflects the personality of the owner.