The Faculty of Science at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice regularly opens its departments to high school students during the oral exam period and final exam preparations. Our aim is to show non-graduating students that natural sciences are not just about theory, but about real-world problem-solving—from designing new materials and pharmaceuticals, energy storage and generation, analyzing financial markets and natural risks, investigating crimes, to protecting the environment and advanced landscape mapping. In our laboratories, greenhouses, and classrooms, students from our partner schools experience science as a real preview of what their future studies or careers might look like. These activities offer hands-on learning, demonstrate real-life applications across various sectors, and help students decide on fields of study that are both meaningful and future-oriented.
On May 23, 2025, 34 first- and second-year students of the four-year study program at Pavol Horov Grammar School in Michalovce participated in a science program held simultaneously across multiple departments of the Faculty of Science.
Geography and Geoinformatics in Practice
At the Institute of Geography, a group of 14 students was welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Michal Gallay, Dr. Katarína Onačillová, and Dr. Jozef Šupinský. In the GIS Laboratory, students explored technologies used in remote sensing—including drones equipped with thermal, hyperspectral, and laser sensors, as well as ground-based survey tools using GNSS and electronic tachymeters.
In the computer lab, they practiced collecting and processing 3D data using a terrestrial laser scanner, commonly used in monitoring soil erosion, landslides, caves, tunnels, and construction structures. They also analyzed satellite imagery from European satellites covering the Zemplínska Šírava region and discussed their use in environmental monitoring, water quality assessment, and land management.
All technologies and software tools presented are part of the Geography and Geoinformatics study program, where university students learn to work with real data both in the field and in the lab.
Genetics and Biology through Inquiry-Based Learning
In parallel with the geoinformatics program, the second group of students attended sessions at the Institute of Biology and Ecology , located in the Botanical Garden campus.
At the Department of Genetics, students prepared their own samples from onion root tips (Allium cepa) and observed nuclei and chromosomes using the microscope. The activity was guided by Dr. Jana Henzelyová and Dr. Miroslava Bálintová. Students worked with the same methodology as the university students in the Cytogenetics and Karyology course, in which they learn how to visualize DNA and determine ploidy in eukaryotic cells.
At the Department of Biology Education, students participated in an inquiry-based learning activity titled “Is Yeast Alive?” led by Dr. Anna Mišianiková and Dr. Zuzana Boberová. They formulated their own hypotheses and experimental procedures to test biological processes in microorganisms, performed microscopic observations, and drew conclusions from their own mini-research. The activity demonstrated how even a simple organism like yeast can spark curiosity and scientific thinking.
After completing the sessions, students had the opportunity to visit the Botanical Garden’s outdoor area and greenhouses, where a butterfly exhibition was currently on display.
Our outreach doesn’t stop at the university. We also support science education directly in schools. A great example is the science event held on May 20, 2025, at Sobrance Grammar School, where over 60 students were introduced to three scientific fields in practice—forensics, laser-based terrain mapping, and satellite Earth observation. Dr. Rastislav Serbin introduced students to forensic chemistry, showing how microscopic traces can be used in criminal investigations. Dr. Jozef Šupinský explained the principles of laser scanning with LiDAR and its applications in terrain mapping, monitoring landslides, and archaeological research. Assoc. Prof. Michal Gallay discussed how satellite imagery is used to monitor environmental changes—particularly in the Sobrance region. These lectures showed that natural sciences are deeply relevant to real life—from solving crimes and protecting the environment to data-based planning and decision-making. More information
Coming Up Next: Chemistry and Crime Scene Investigation
The program continues on May 29, 2025, when we will welcome 60 students from Poštová Grammar School in Košice. They will attend a presentation by Dr. Rastislav Serbin, who will again demonstrate how chemical analyses are used in forensic science and what hidden information laboratory evidence can reveal.
Natural Sciences: driving solutions of tomorrow
The goal of these outreach activities is to show high school students that studying natural sciences leads to real opportunities and meaningful careers. Experts in physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, geography, and data analytics are needed not only in research and education, but also in business, industry, education, environmental protection, and public administration.
We sincerely thank all faculty members, researchers, and staff who helped organize and deliver these activities, as well as the teachers and students from our partner schools for their participation and interest. We hope these events help students discover the value of science—and perhaps even their future career path.
Photo: PF UPJŠ
