New initiative: High school students do laboratory work in physics at Mid Sweden University
How do you measure the concentration in a solution using optics? 29 students from Klara Gymnasium's natural science program experienced this during a laboratory day at Mid Sweden University – a collaboration that can now grow and reach more schools.
Behind the initiative is FSCN researcher Magnus Engholm together with physics teacher Alvar Wallström Lindell. Recently, they conducted a physics laboratory for a class in year 3, as part of both the Physics Network within Upper Secondary School Collaboration, and a project at Mid Sweden University's FSCN Research Center – IMPHET – where one of the goals is to arouse students' interest in the engineering profession.
"The big thing is that the students are taken from a normal classroom situation and get to be in a new context that resembles reality," says Alvar Wallström Lindell. We get to let go of the classic textbook and they come outside the classroom.
The laboratory focused on optics and involved measuring the concentration in a sugar solution using laser technology. The set-up was carefully planned to work in the whole class, something that can otherwise be a challenge in laboratory elements.
Engaged students
The result was an appreciated activity where the students worked focused throughout the session.
"It was noticeable that the students became very engaged and motivated. It's fun to see that commitment in their eyes," says Alvar Wallström Lindell.
The laboratory also provided space for creative thinking and self-exploration.
"There are many opportunities for the students to change parameters and investigate further," says Magnus Engholm. They sat concentrated for two hours and tested their way forward.
To further encourage the students, there was also a competition element linked to accuracy and problem solving.
Wants to reach more schools
The collaboration is part of a larger initiative where Mid Sweden University wants to open up its environments to more high school students.
"We have an ambition to do this on a larger scale and receive classes from the technology and nature programmes," says Magnus Engholm. The idea is to develop laboratory sessions that upper secondary school teachers can lead with us at Mid Sweden University, with the support of our researchers and students.
The hope is that more students will open their eyes to both physics and higher studies.
"There are many benefits. The students get a new environment to lab in and the opportunity to meet our students, while we get to show our education and research environments," says Magnus Engholm.
The goal is clear: to arouse interest in technology and science – and in the long term, get more people to apply to Mid Sweden University's Master of Science in Engineering programmes.