From chemical experiments to programming: BUT Junior develops children's curiosity

The final lesson of this year’s BUT Junior children's university concluded a series of educational events during which primary and grammar school students explored what university studies at Brno University of Technology look like. In the spring part of the program, they had hands-on experiences as chemists, bioengineers, computer scientists, and civil engineers.

BUT Junior at CEITEC BUT. | Author: Václav Koníček

Thanks to the popular educational program BUT Junior, future scientists, engineers, or artists explore fascinating university projects and learn how research and discovery work. Before the teaching began, they received their matriculation certificates at the BUT Rectorate and began their junior scientific careers. Afterwards, the children visited various faculties and departments of Brno University of Technology, diving into different fields and topics. Their educational journey will culminate in a ceremonial graduation in June.

Hands-on Science

In spring, the Faculty of Chemistry came alive with the enthusiasm of young explorers who tested water samples and examined the mechanical properties of plastic materials, for example, using apple-shaped models. “We can 3D print both materials, so we made protective helmets for Mr. Apple. Then we tested their durability by throwing apples from a height and observing the impact,” described one of the experts involved in the BUT Junior lessons.

BUT Junior at FCH. | Author: Václav Koníček

The curious young scientists also visited the CEITEC BUT research center, where they discovered that biomaterials often act like superheroes transforming medicine. Through laboratory visits, they learned how biomaterials are researched, how they can be shaped, and how the lyophilization process works to preserve their biological properties. In the end, they got to know nanofibers, used in cosmetics and dermatology to aid skin healing and in modern cosmetic products.

At the Faculty of Information Technology, students learned what IT includes, where it appears in everyday life, and what the future holds for this field. They also created and programmed their own version of the Snake game using the graphical programming language Snap.

The final stop this year was the Faculty of Civil Engineering, where children explored a wide range of topics – from material selection and structural design to practical testing and applications. They also discovered railway models, the impact of water on landscapes, water purification issues, and how geodetic points work. As part of the faculty tour, they visited classrooms, laboratories, the rooftop, and even the underground facilities.

A University for the Whole Family

Since this year, BUT Junior is no longer only for students, but also for their companions. A new feature is a special program for parents, allowing them to get to know the focus of the faculties and departments and also to discover new trends in science and expand their horizons.

Thanks to the accompanying program, parents experienced a journey into the nanoworld, explored faculties, and enjoyed a gourmet experience where they discovered the secrets of the faculty brewery and the coffee roasting process.

The BUT Junior program, through informal leisure-time education, positively fosters participants' interest in studying STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). More information about the program can be found on the BUT Junior website. If you don’t want to miss the start of registrations for the next year of BUT Junior, leave your contact information here.

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