August 15, 2020 from 09:00 a.m. – 16:30 p.m. – Faculty of Sciences of Khon Kaen University held a scientific and mathematics question answering activity for high school students. The activity was part of the National Science Week 2020 and was organized in a ‘New Normal’ style at Wittayawipas Room, Wittayawipas Building, Faculty of Sciences, Khon Kaen University. Over 70 teams of over 140 high school students from all over Isan joined.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teerapong Puangmali, a physics ajarn of KKU as the chairperson of the question-answering activity said that this activity was aimed at opening up a chance for students to demonstrate their potentialities. The activity also reflected the academic readiness of the participating schools. The subjects included were physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. The students who joined had to use their knowledge and wit in answering each question in limited time. This showed their profound understanding in the subject content and the scientific process. Entering the competition means they are going back home realizing what they have to improve for the future education.
The chairperson of this activity also added about the important experience in answering questions in which the participating students would be able to extend their thinking process. The activity reflects the students’ aptitude and what the students need to do to improve themselves in the subject content. Faculty of Sciences also sees the outcome of this – that is – these smart students may be able to study in the faculty and graduate in the future as a competent person.
“Our activity provides chances for all schools in the Northeast to send their students in the competition just like every year. This year, however, is different as we have the spread of the disease. So the activity is in a “New Normal” style. There is screening and limiting of numbers of students and teachers. The activity has been planned to be concise, with stringency observed in disease prevention. The session is broadcast live so that interested students who do not have a chance to join are able to watch. Still, there are over 70 schools join, with over 140 students.”
The question-answering session for high school students was one activity of the National Science Week that is organized every year at Faculty of Sciences of Khon Kaen University. The faculty invited schools in the region to send their students to compete in answering questions in physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. Students worked in team and were provided enough time to work out the answers. Usually, all schools are invited to take other students to cheer their friends in the competition. But this year, according to the situation, the faculty saw the safety of every one and so limited the number of participants, who also had to undergo the standard checking and wear mask and face shield provided by the faculty. The activity was broadcast live on Facebook Page: Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University.
The competition began at 9:00 a.m. This morning session was the selection round. Each school sent 2 students in a team to answer questions. Representative ajarns from the department read 4 questions for each subject. The students were given 1-3 minutes to answer. When a team was ready to answer, the team pressed the button. The scores were totaled in order to get the team with the highest scores. During the competition, committee members walked around to give assistance. In the afternoon, the final round took place, followed by prize and certificate giving at the end. Asst. Prof. Dr. Tanoo Burinprakhon, Associate Dean in Research and International Relation presided over the session and presented the prizes. Following are the results:
First Prize: A plaque, a certificate and an amount of 4,000 baht – Benjamamaharat School:
Mr. Taradon Pimkaew, Mr. Jirut Sirisuntorn
Second Prize: A plaque, a certificate and an amount of 3,000 baht – Roi-et Wittyalai School:
Mr. Pongwit Sirirak, Miss Piraya Techasathian
Third Prize: A plaque, a certificate and an amount of 2,000 baht – Surawittayakhan School:
Mr. Thaenthai Cholathee, Mr. Phurit Weera-amonphan
Honorable Mention Award: a certificate and an amount of 500 baht:
1 Khon Kaen University Demonstration School (Faculty of Education) – Mr. Suparerk Sukda, Miss Pannatorn Yubonwat
2 Suranaree Wittaya School – Mr. Witwasit Sodkhoksung, Miss Juthamat Hamklang
3 Buriram Pittayakhon School – Mr. Raksit Kaewmaroeng, Mr. Chaiwat Thipaksorn
The National Science Week 2020 is still ongoing with competitions in problem solving processes, scientific and imaginary drawing, Science Show (Primary and secondary levels), scientific project competition at high school level (physical science, biological science, applied science) and the Pan Pum presentation ceremony at the Rama 4 Monument in front of Sc. 06 Building of the faculty on August 18, 2020. Interested please follow the news at: https://sc.kku.ac.th/scweek
Facebook: Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University
News / Photos: Udomchai Supannawong
Information / Photos: Suktawee Klangtrakoon, Public Relation Officer, Faculty of Sciences, KKU
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