Abstract:

The article presents selected educational aspects of two projects carried out at the Department of Building Engineering and Building Physics (DBEBP) of the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice. The aim of the project is to educate people, popularize science and higher education. The first project is to activate students to create Student Scientific Associations and thus expand their education. The second project is aimed at a group of pre-school and school children who in the future may become Faculty students. Both projects are supported by the employees of the DBEBP.

In 2014, at the Department, the Student Scientific Association (SSA) ‘Szczeblina’ was founded, dealing with the subject of monumental science. A group of students focusing on their individual development defined the goals and scope of its activities. They intended to pursue primarily cognitive goals, ie: learning the specifics of the construction process in historic buildings, learning about the history and culture of Silesia, promoting the region and the Faculty. Educational activities began with the organization and participation in training conducted by specialists dealing with the protection of monuments. At the same time, trips to historic buildings were organized. Under the supervision of the association tutor, students conducted research in historic buildings. They included an inventory of architectural monuments, their history and documentation, and research related to their indoor climate. In addition, students participated in the creation of multimedia presentations and scientific article.

The second project, run by employees of the DBEBP and students from SSA ‘Szczeblina’, is an educational event in the form of the ‘Researchers Night’. Since 2010, groups of children have participated in the educational game ‘Help build…’. Two beavers, ‘Kobo’ and ‘Fibi’ are asking children for help in building construction objects. ‘Young engineers’ try to solve numerous construction puzzles in practice. Introduction to practical activities are lectures on selected aspects of the construction process, which are prepared by students. Young people learn about the properties of materials, the concept of distribution of forces, conduct of construction works. An important element is the message about the need to respect basic rules and laws and to maintain order and security. End result is the children’s creating of building objects and their elements. A correspondingly large scale of the building allows, for example, to stand under a self-made vault. Such experience, supported by understanding the basic construction rules, builds satisfaction and strengthens the conviction about the need for a good job.

The two activities presented above are directed to different target groups. However, both groups met in their new roles. Children in the role of engineers. Students in the role of teachers. The cooperation of students with academic teachers in the preparation of lectures addressed to children is, in the author’s opinion, an interesting and valuable educational element in both projects.

Keywords:

Education projects, children, educational events, student scientific association.