The first youth laboratory was opened in Lviv Open Lab – a space for the popularization of science and STEAM – education, at 58 Chervonoi Kalyna Avenue. It aims to become a scientific hub where young people can practice science with the help of professional equipment.
At the opening, the organizers introduced the possibilities of the chemical laboratory and talked about the importance of popularizing science among young people, and high school students showed chemical experiments, the methodology of which has practical significance. In particular, they demonstrated the technology of creating hot ice, which is used in the production of heating pads for heating the military.
“This space was created thanks to the efforts of a large number of people. Relatively recently, there was space here, but there was no life. Now there is space and life. But it’s all thanks to cool people. I walked around the Open Lab and there are some incredible things happening. Now it is important that many children come here. Therefore, tell everyone about this space and invite them to come, because it is made for our youth”, – emphasized Andriy Moskalenko, the first deputy mayor of Lviv.
Visiting the laboratory for young people is free. The available equipment of the laboratory fully ensures the ergonomics of conducting chemical experiments. Youth coming to the laboratory will have a specialized gown and glasses. In the future, the organizers will conduct educational group projects with pupils and students on the basis of the chemical laboratory.
The first youth laboratory aims to develop science and scientific knowledge among students and young people, overcome the limitations of distance learning and gender stereotypes in STEAM education. Also, one of the important parts of the work is the integration of internally displaced persons into the life of the city, the formation of a circle of like-minded people, as well as a modern and young scientific community.
“The laboratory will work in several directions. The first is that you can conduct your own research and experiments under the supervision of our resident. Next are group classes, during which practical classes from the school curriculum will be held. We also actively conduct project activities, and our partners and donors help teach young people chemistry, ecology, 3D modeling and much more,” says the head of Lviv Open Lab Olena Pavlyuk.
“Students from different schools will be able to conduct their first experiments, implement project-research work on determining water quality, cosmetic chemistry, ecological situation, household waste processing, or come to the laboratory with their own idea,” explains the head of the laboratory, chemist Mykola Lekhnovsky.
The opening of the First Youth Laboratory was prepared for half a year. For this, the organizers attracted grant and city funds. The amount was about UAH 600,000 and provided a laboratory base, although it did not actually cover the need for financing.
After the official opening, young people and guests of the event joined the discussion of ideas regarding the further work of the First Youth Laboratory.
We will remind you that the project of the First Youth Laboratory is implemented by Lviv Open Lab – a space for the popularization of science and STEAM – education, which is part of the network of youth spaces CREATE!