Chosun University Completes 'Regional-Based Science IT Avengers' Program

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Chosun University announced on the 9th that the ‘Regional-based Science IT Avengers’ program operated by Professor Park Young-shin of the Department of Earth Science Education at the College of Education has been successfully completed.

The completion ceremony held on the 7th at the 4th floor auditorium of Seoseok Hall, Chosun University, was organized to present certificates and awards to elementary and middle school students who participated in the 9-week science-themed learning course conducted from June to August this year.

The ceremony was attended by National Assembly member Yang Hyang-ja, Jo Byung-hyun, Head of Secondary Education at Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, Na In-kwang, Head of the National Science Museum under the Ministry of Science and ICT, Chosun University Graduate School Dean Jeong Jin-cheol, Professor Lee Gye-won and Professor Shin In-hyun from the College of Gyeongsang, as well as other university and institutional officials, who celebrated the completion ceremony.

The ‘Regional-based Science IT Avengers’ program is a project aimed at revitalizing science popularization through collaboration with small and medium-sized science museums supported by the National Science Museum under the Ministry of Science and ICT.

In particular, Professor Park, a pioneer in science education, conducted science-themed learning that integrates science and technology, rather than simple science classes, which drew great enthusiasm from participating students.

Starting in Gwangju this year, the Regional-based Science IT Avengers plan to expand the regional-based science IT popularization program to activate small and medium-sized science museums centered around national science museums in Daejeon, Daegu, Gwacheon, Busan, and other cities from next year.

Assembly member Yang Hyang-ja said, "The nation's competitiveness lies in science and technology, and I expect that our students who received the Science IT Avengers education at Chosun University will lead the world’s future," adding, "I hope this program will take root in Gwangju."

Na In-kwang, Head of the National Science Museum, said, "The ‘Science IT Avengers Program’ aims to revitalize science popularization by linking small and medium-sized science museums, including national science museums located in the region," and added, "I hope such programs will be widely implemented throughout Gwangju at the district level."

Graduate School Dean Jeong Jin-cheol stated, "Starting with this Science IT Avengers program at Chosun University, I hope elementary and middle school students in Gwangju will develop an interest in science and have spaces outside of school where they can enthusiastically experience science IT."

Professor Park Young-shin said, "I hope the Science IT Avengers program, which can become a signature of Gwangju’s science popularization, will spread to other regions including Gwangju next year," adding, "Starting with this completion ceremony, I expect the program to expand next year at the district level or combined districts in Gwangju with more extensive programs such as Saturday academies, camp-style sessions during vacations, theme-based projects, domestic Avengers gatherings including those from Daegu, Daejeon, Busan, and Gwacheon, and international Avengers representing Korea, thereby revitalizing science popularization programs nationwide."

She also added, "The APA (Avengers Parents Association) has been launched to support this," and said, "Parents will actively promote their children’s science IT activities and collaboratively organize learning content to actively contribute to the revitalization of science popularization in Gwangju."