The Faculty of Science at Khon Kaen University is taking bold steps to spark a passion for science among students across Northeastern Thailand by opening its state-of-the-art laboratories to them. This initiative is part of the faculty’s commitment to sustainable community development, a key mission that complements their work in producing top-tier graduates, conducting groundbreaking research, and driving innovation in science and technology.
Since 2004, the faculty has hosted a variety of annual programs aimed at enhancing science education. These include the National Science Week, science camps, and hands-on workshops designed to build scientific knowledge and skills among teachers and students. Educational institutions across the region, from primary to high school levels, have responded enthusiastically by collaborating with the university to bring students to the faculty’s labs, where they can explore their interests in science with the support of expert personnel and cutting-edge equipment.
Recognizing the growing demand, in 2014, the Faculty of Science launched a dedicated program to further strengthen students’ skills and understanding of scientific concepts. This program offers students opportunities to gain practical experience in biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, microbiology, and biochemistry, fostering a deeper understanding of science and its applications. Schools from across the region have eagerly participated, with a steady stream of students and teachers taking part in these enriching activities.
Most recently, from September 7-8, 2024, the faculty welcomed students and teachers from three prominent schools for an immersive workshop experience. Ninety students and teachers from Sangkhomwittaya School in Nong Khai Province engaged in hands-on training in physics, chemistry, and biology, tackling topics such as “Determining the Focal Length of Concave and Convex Mirrors,” “Acid-Base Titration and the Preparation of a Standard Base Solution,” and “Mitosis and Meiosis.”
Meanwhile, 70 students and teachers from the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School, Nong Khai Campus dived into biology and chemistry workshops, exploring “Mitosis and Meiosis” and “Functional Group Testing in Organic Compounds.”
Not to be outdone, Sri Kranuan Wittayakom School in Khon Kaen Province sent a group of 130 students and teachers to participate in various scientific workshops. Topics ranged from physics subjects like “Forces and Force Composition,” “Refraction through Prisms and Interference through Gratings,” and “Determining the Earth’s Magnetic Field” to biology lessons on “Vertebrate Anatomy” and “DNA Extraction and Gel Electrophoresis.” Chemistry and microbiology workshops also covered critical areas such as “Basic Laboratory Techniques,” “Acid-Base Titration,” and “Bacterial Staining and Microscopic Observation.”
Held at the faculty’s cutting-edge Sc.08 and Sc.07 buildings, these workshops continue to provide invaluable opportunities for students to engage directly with scientific concepts, further motivating them to pursue their interest in science and technology.
