Education and Research Cluster "Karazin University – for Metro School Students in Kharkiv"

On February 13, 2025, the Center for Postgraduate Education, in collaboration with representatives of the School of Biology and the Education and Research Institute "Physico-Technical Institute," conducted a series of practical classes, experiments, and laboratory work for 11th-grade students. These activities are aimed at effectively preparing graduates for the NMT-2025 in biology and physics, facilitating their further admission to the university. The collaboration is carried out within the framework of the "Memorandum of Cooperation between V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University and the Department of Education of the Administration of the Industrial District of the Kharkiv City Council" and the "Agreement on Cooperation between V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University and the Municipal Institution 'Kharkiv Lyceum No. 85 of the Kharkiv City Council.'"

During the opening of the cluster’s activities, the Director of the Center for Postgraduate Education, Mykhailo Tatarynov, introduced lyceum students to the specifics of the biological and physico-technical modules of the cluster. He also provided safety instructions for participants regarding laboratory experiments and the use of specialized equipment.

Serhii Sidorovskyi, a lecturer from the Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, presented the educational and research activities of various departments within the School of Biology. He engaged students in practical work with electron microscopes for experimental studies. Working in mini-groups, participants expanded their natural science competencies and completed hands-on tasks aligned with the structure of the NMT in biology.

The physico-technical module of the cluster was conducted by Nataliia Kazachkova, a lecturer from the Department of Applied Physics and Plasma Physics of the Education and Research Institute "Physico-Technical Faculty." She introduced participants to a series of engaging experiments, including demonstrations of nitrogen properties, cyber-physical nuclear technologies such as "Crazy Biker," "Fire Tornado," "The Oldest Scientific Toys," and "Paradox Show: Exciting Adventures in the Science World." These activities significantly enhanced students’ practical physics skills based on their prior theoretical knowledge acquired through distance learning. Additionally, the students received various informational booklets about studying at the School of Physics and Technology.

Following the completion of both modules, Mykhailo Tatarynov gathered feedback from the 11th-grade students.

At the conclusion of the cluster, Nataliia Kutniakova, Director of the Municipal Institution "Kharkiv Lyceum No. 85 of the Kharkiv City Council," expressed gratitude to the representatives of the School of Biology and the Education and Research Institute "School of Physics and Technology" for their engaging and meaningful work with the students. She highly appreciated the practical component of the cluster and sincerely thanked the administration of Karazin University for the opportunity to continue fruitful cooperation on various important aspects of integrating science, general secondary, and higher education.