With the active participation and constructive cooperation of the Natural Sciences and Geography (Chemistry section) of the University the Small Academy of Sciences of Cherkasy regional office has been working for over a decade for students in schools of our city. It provides the organization, research and development activities for the students, creates the conditions for their intellectual, spiritual, creative and professional self development, and promotes upgrading the scientific potential of our society.
Every year more pupils interested in chemistry are involved in research activities in the laboratory. What exactly lures high school students to participate in research? First of all it is deepening the knowledge on the subject, and most importantly – the work in chemical laboratories of the University. Leading role in the work of young researchers at the Nature and Geography Department plays Victoria Valyuk, PhD, Assistant Professor of chemistry, ecology and methods of teaching.
Over the past five years the eight daredevils of chemistry experts have devoted their free time to research the chemical processes and adequately present the work at the regional competition - defense of scientific research. Thus, Olga Kochubej, the 11 grade student of school № 5 received a second degree diploma for 'Detection of chloride ion and calcium and magnesium ions in water Uman', and Tatiana Holomazyuk received the third degree diploma for "Research of the sources of radioactive impact on the residents of Uman", their classmate Volodymyr Olhovetskyy got the second degree diploma for "Coagulants and their use in processes of water treatment" creative work. Olga Drach, the student of 11-A of the secondary school number 11 was researching the topic "Determination of ascorbic acid amount (Vitamin C) in different sorts of citrus fruits" and received the third degree diploma, Olga Filatova, 11 -B class student of school № 11 received a second degree diploma for 'The study of fluoride in drinking water of Uman'. Eugene Prudius, the 11th -B grade student of school № 14 received his second degree diploma for his "Synthesis of coumarins and amino acid derivatives" research and his classmate Anton Malanich was awarded the second degree diploma for "Determination of caffeine in foods by means of Iodometry". Alevtina Vodyanetska, the 11th grade pupil of the secondary school № 5 was awarded the third degree diploma for "Synthesis of biologically active substances".
This year, the competition commission of the laboratory is evaluating the following works: "Investigation of the influence of various factors on the physical and chemical properties of the enzymes" by Mariana Skakun, the 11th grade pupil secondary school № 14, "Isolation and identification of lipids from seeds and needles of pine " by Dmytro Bondarenko, the 11 grade student of the secondary school № 5. The judges unanimously noted the high level of scientific achievement, the originality and novelty of the research.
The research work of young researchers provides opportunities for the students to try themselves in scientific research, to evaluate the outcome of the research, experience the joy of success. Young scientists get invaluable experience of self-searching, reaching a large inner maturity, develop important academic competencies to utilize them when becoming the university students.
