International Space Day – “Space Adventure – Discovering the Universe”
On 22nd May, in the Second Secondary School in Biała Podlaska, we celebrated an International Space Day. It was organised by members of the science club LEOO, under the guidance of Renata Michalczuk, Stanisław Lewiński, and CBK PAN.
The guests were greeted by Dr Stanisław Romanowski, head of the Education and Social Matters Department in Biała Podlaska and the Headmaster of Secondary School by the name of Emilia Plater in Biała Podlaska.
The event was divided into three sections. The first one was directed to Primary School pupils. Young scientists gave lectures ”How to become an astronaut?”, “Life and work in Space” and „Fashion in Space”. During the International Space Day, younger students could get to know what an everyday life of an astronaut looks like and how they manage their time. Apart from that, they could do experiments like the Magnus effect, Newton’s Cradle, and they also tested students’ perceptivity skills. A big surprise was the appearance of an amateur astronaut in a self-made space suit made by members of LEOO.
The second part of the event was directed to Secondary School students. There were two lectures given. First, by members of LEOO, Błażej Pietrusik and Filip Typa. They shared their knowledge in the lecture named „Space Eyes of the Earth: How do satellites work?” Next lecture was conducted by professor Stanisław Lewiński. It was about the classification of satellite pictures. Both of the lectures were appreciated by students, and it sparked an uplifting discussion among them even after the lectures’ end.
The third part took place in the late evening because of different time zones between Poland and the USA. Members of LEOO, other students and guests had the pleasure of listening to a lecture given by former Director of the Earth Sciences Division at NASA James R Irons. He talked about Landsat 8 satellites and studying Earth as an integrated system of atmosphere, oceans, biosphere, kriosphere and geosphere. After the lecture, students could talk to James R Irons, ask him questions about his life, work and even dreams. It was an amazing opportunity to practice their English skills.
Members of LEOO will remember this day as full of interesting experiences and challenges. The subjects taken were inspiring and educational. Engaged students appreciated the opportunity to share their passion with others and the chance to fill gaps in their knowledge thanks to professional scientists.
We give special thanks to the guardians of LEOO: Renata Michalczuk, Monika Majewska and Sławomir Filipiuk, and the tech team for their help in organising the event.
