The jubilee 20th year of the event Chemistry and Other Natural Sciences at Silesian Ostrava Castle attracted hundreds of primary and secondary school pupils, as well as the public, who could experience first-hand that science is not just about textbooks and formulas.
This traditional popularisation event is organised by the Czech Chemical Society – Ostrava branch, in cooperation with the Faculty of Science of the University of Ostrava, the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology of VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, the Institute of Environmental Technology, CEET, VSB-TUO, Secondary Technical School of Chemistry of Academician Heyrovský in Ostrava, and numerous other partners.
Throughout the day, the castle grounds were filled with more than thirty interactive stations where visitors could try out chemistry experiments, physics demonstrations, mathematical puzzles, or natural science competitions. Great interest was also generated by the eleven themed chemistry laboratories – ranging from the Slime and Bubble Labs to the Fire and Hell Labs – as well as a spectacular popularisation show full of colourful reactions, light effects, and surprising chemical experiments.
"Every year, we are delighted by how many children come with enthusiasm to experiment and discover the world of natural sciences. Moreover, this year we celebrated our jubilee 20th edition, which confirms to us that events like this make sense. The greatest reward is seeing that the children take home not only new experiences but also a desire to explore the world around them," said the main organiser of the event, Kamila Kočí, chairwoman of the Ostrava branch of the Czech Chemical Society and head of the Heterogeneous Photocatalysis research group at the Institute of Environmental Technology, CEET.
The Institute of Environmental Technology, CEET, did not only participate in the jubilee year organisationally but also prepared its own experimental station. Researchers presented visitors with fascinating experiments focused on environmental protection, new materials, and energetics, demonstrating how the results of contemporary research find applications in everyday life. The aim was not just to captivate with spectacular experiments, but above all to bring the importance of science for solving current societal challenges closer to the public.
The programme also included the ceremonial award presentation for the Korchem MS correspondence competition, which involved 67 pupils from 20 schools this year. The twenty most successful contestants received their awards directly at Silesian Ostrava Castle. The organisers were also pleased with the feedback from the participants themselves, who appreciated that the competition helps them discover chemistry in practical contexts and motivates them to pursue further studies in natural sciences.
As tradition dictates, the accompanying programme also attracted a great deal of attention. The Volunteer Fire Brigade Unit of the Town of Šenov presented equipment used during interventions in chemical accidents, devices for detecting hazardous substances and radiation, as well as protective gear that visitors could try on themselves. Children enthusiastically inspected the emergency vehicles, tried working with fire-fighting equipment, and, as every year in the hot weather, spraying from a fire hose was a massive hit.
Another popular part of the programme was the station run by the medics of the Czech Red Cross. Visitors of all ages could try out the basics of first aid, look around an ambulance, and inspect medical equipment. The organisers notice every year that children are showing an ever-increasing interest in practical first aid training.
This year's event reconfirmed that the connection between universities, research facilities, schools, emergency services, and other partners creates a unique event that can introduce science in a fun and comprehensible way. When children can try an experiment themselves, ask scientists what interests them, or master the basics of first aid, they go home not only with great memories but often with a new perspective on natural and technical fields.
We would like to thank all the organisers, partners, students, teachers, volunteers, and visitors whose energy and enthusiasm contributed to making the jubilee 20th year of Chemistry and Other Natural Sciences at Silesian Ostrava Castle an extraordinary celebration of science once again.