Because science can be fun! Science PITnic at Lukasiewicz – PIT

How to see a gas? What does a young scientist see in an urban meadow? How to generate images using artificial intelligence? These are just some of the attractions that awaited the pupils of Wielkopolska schools during the Science PITnic organised at Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology.

Science picnics in various cities is a new initiative of the Łukasiewicz Research Network. They are intended to popularise science and knowledge of new technologies. PITnic at Łukasiewicz – PIT took place on  June 14 and was attended by 500 children.

Researchers prepared various workshops and demonstrations for children. Pupils were able, among other things, to produce bricks on a 3D printer, see what the work of a wood technologist looks like or find out what powder sintering is all about, as well as take a look at what an image looks like in a thermal imaging camera. There was also a Screamer and Strongman competition and a tour around the research laboratory.

PITnic’s partners also provided entertainment. At the stand of the Polish Railway Chamber visitors could play Railway Millionaires, and at the stand of the representatives of the Railway Transport Office they could play Railway ABC.

There was, of course, face painting, glitter tattoos, a climbing wall, inflatables, a 360 photo booth and beekeeping workshops.

– Technologies shape our lives from an early age, so it is worth and necessary to talk about them already to children, argues Arkadiusz Kawa, Director of Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology. – Besides, the world of science and technology is fascinating, and the earlier we instil this love in children, the better. During PITnic, we showed what we ourselves are fascinated with and what we do professionally at the institute, which is an impressive cross-section of activities, he adds.