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What is the Summer School of Science?

Summer School of Science (S³/S³++) is a science workshop held at Visnjan Observatory for high school students interested in natural sciences: biology, chemistry & physics.

School is organized around projects whose aim is to provide students with hands-on experience with science and scientific method in an informal atmosphere. Projects are lead by young scientists and/or university students.

Beside work on projects, all participants attend lectures covering topics of general interest. Both project leaders and lecturers work or study at places of scientific excellence in Croatia and abroad.

The Summer School of Science 2007 is held in two parts:

• S³ (for grades 9 and 10, in Croatian): 28^th July - 3^rd August (link)
• S³++ (for grades 11 and 12, in English; open for international applicants): 6^th August - 15^th August (link)

What is it like to be at the Summer School of Science?

A lot of fun, if you like science. It can also be pretty usefull, if you plan to study science at the university.

On the road ...

Teamwork: taking samples ...

At this stage you should not worry weather you know enough science to do it. Nobody does except the project leader. Science is so specialized nowadays that often you have to start from zero. But what is important: do you know how to learn? If you can do it in the school, you can certainly do it here. In any case, project leader is there to answer all your questions.

Join the dark side!

And when it comes to communication - you will have to practice that as well. You will have several chances to present your work and results.

In the end, why English? Because today it is practically official language of science. Most of the scientific literature is written in English, and most of the communication at conferences or summer schools happens in English. If you choose to study chemistry, biology or physics you will have to use textbooks written in English very early. So this is a good way to start. Don't worry if your English is not the best, if you can communicate - it is enough.

Nightlife at S³: catching insects ...

You usually learn basic concepts of science in school - about acids in chemistry, about electricity in physics or about genes in biology. This is certainly important for your education, but you are missing a critical part - the scientific method.

How do we ask questions about the phenomena in nature? How do we answer them? And how can you be sure about what you've found?

The Summer School of Science is the place to learn all about it. Since we believe that the best way to learn is by example and practice - we'll put you in the position of the scientist. You will work on a very specific topic with a project leader and few other participants.

Drain the brain of others ...

The Summer School of Science is a unique place because you can meet other high school students with interests in science. You will also meet lots of people who work in applied or fundamental sciences. Some of them are your project leaders, others are lecturers. Working with some of them you will learn another thing about science - it is about people. You have to be able to work in the team, present and share your ideas, but in the same time listen and respect the others.

Final presentation ...