The Faculty of Mathematics and Science offers visits, workshops and science education for all ages

Groups of pupils and students can visit fields such as biological and environmental science, physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics and nanoscience. They can explore laboratories and research equipment, learn about the work of a researcher and take part in a variety of workshops. The offering includes visits to Finland’s largest particle accelerator, hands-on work with PCR methods, and interactive mathematics and hydrogen workshops. 

“The visits spark curiosity about the surrounding world, offer experiences of success and show how science is part of our everyday lives. The content is designed to suit the age of each target group, so everyone gets to experience the joy of exploration and discovery at their own level,” says Director of the Central Finland LUMA Centre Tuomo Äkkinen from the University of Jyväskylä. 

The faculty also has two exhibitions open to everyone. Located on the Ylistönrinne campus, the World of Hydrogen and Signs of Mathematics exhibitions offer an engaging, participatory way to learn about the natural sciences, technology and mathematics. The World of Hydrogen exhibition introduces visitors to the role of hydrogen in future energy solutions, while the Signs of Mathematics exhibition inspires them to explore mathematics in practice by experimenting, observing and making their own discoveries. 

Students share what university life is like 

The faculty’s student ambassadors visit educational institutions across Finland to talk about their studies, student life and the opportunities to study science, mathematics and technology. Schools can invite the Science Crew student ambassadors to visit either in person or remotely. 

A glimpse into a researcher’s daily life through work experience 

The faculty also gives lower and upper secondary school students the chance to explore the world of research through work experience placements (TET). During the placement, young people can follow the work of researchers, teachers and laboratory staff and get a look behind the scenes of science. 

Bringing the joy of science to daycare centres and schools 

The Central Finland LUMA Centre inspires children and young people to engage with science by visiting daycare centres and primary schools throughout Central Finland. During these hands-on visits, children explore the natural sciences and mathematics by investigating, experimenting and making discoveries for themselves. 

The faculty’s doors are open to school and upper secondary students 

Collaboration with educational institutions also includes open online courses, competitions for upper secondary students, and public lectures and science events open to everyone. Through these, the faculty seeks to raise awareness of the world of science and offer young people opportunities to find their own interests. 

“We encourage educational institutions, teachers and guidance counsellors to make use of the available opportunities for collaboration and to contact us without hesitation,” Äkkinen emphasises.