Universoma brings science into everyday life in schools

The operation of Imatra Junior University Universoma has started again.

During the current school year, all Imatra 3rd and 8th graders participate in Universoma's activities in some way. In addition, high school students are offered courses implemented in cooperation with LUT University.

Universoma is part of LUT University's Junior University activities. The aim of the activity is to increase children's and young people's interest in mathematical and natural science fields and to bring the world of science into everyday school life.

Tasks, trainings and visits

In practice, Universoma can be seen in students' everyday life as various tasks, projects and elective courses.

The overarching theme is the environment of the future.

- Universoma is included in the school's curriculum and annual plans, but the schools can decide for themselves how to implement the teaching, head of educational services Minna Rovio says.

Universoma's operation is still new and new forms of cooperation are constantly being sought. This fall, teacher trainings have been added as a new thing.

The theme of the training aimed at 3rd grade teachers is water. The purpose is that after the training, teachers can apply the theme in their teaching as they wish, coordinator of LUT Junior University Laura Jouhkimo says.

Usually Universoma's activities also include visits to the LUT campus in Lappeenranta. Due to the corona situation, the autumn visits have had to be postponed to the spring.

Practical activities broaden perspectives and increase interest in university studies

In touch with science, Saimaa Geopark has been organized at Vuoksenniska school this autumn -

course. During the course, the 8th and 9th grade students got to know the geopark sites located in Imatra.

- We had a geologist as an expert guide for the site visits, so the natural science perspective came out well, says the teacher leading the elective course Päivi Hirvonen.

He is satisfied that the Junior University operates in Imatra. Although the operation is still at the beginning, the benefits can already be seen.

- In previous years, especially the visits have been a great thing. At the university, students get to do things that we don't have the opportunity to do at school.

Rovio believes that the cooperation will awaken students to see the possibilities of technology and natural science, and the fact that you can study interesting things nearby.

- Universoma opens up new perspectives for students and things are seen as big entities.

Reaching out to children and young people is also important for LUT.

- After graduation, the experts who graduate from us can be useful for the entire business life of South Karelia, Jouhkimo states.

For more information:

Head of Education Services Minna Rovio, City of Imatra, 020 617 3404, go. rovioimatra.fi (minna[dot]rovio[at]imatra[dot]fi)

Coordinator Laura Jouhkimo, LUT University, 050 307 5942, laura.jouhkimolut.fi (laura[dot]jouhkimo[at]lut[dot]fi)

Universoma on the website of the city of Imatra: https://www.imatra.fi/universoma