PetrSU takes part in “Days of Science”

Employees of the Institute of Biology, Ecology and Agricultural Technologies took part in the days of science at the Petrozavodsk Presidential Cadet School. The event was attended by cadets of grades 5, 9 and 10.
Professor, Doctor of Biological Sciences L.A. Sergienko gave a lecture for grade 9 on the topic “Exploration of the coasts of the Russian Arctic”, in which it was noted that the shores of the Russian Arctic are currently experiencing a strong anthropogenic impact. Scientists of PetrSU revealed that under this influence, coastal plants change their biocenotic structure, alien species from a more southern distribution area penetrate into communities.

Also, Lyudmila Aleksandrovna introduced the cadets to the methods of researching bogs in the Arctic region, showing a video made by the staff of PetrSU in the framework of the project “Towards the sustainability of bog ecosystems in the Arctic through integral management and restoration” of the program of the Belmont Forum on joint research activities “Viability of the rapidly changing Arctic systems”.

Teachers of the Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, associate professors S.A. Trofimov and S.G. Rubakhin told the 5th and 9th grade cadets about food plants. The children had to identify plants of different families by samples of cereals, find out what metamorphoses occur with cabbage, find the difference between black and white chocolate by reading the information from the manufacturer on the labels. The tasks aroused interest, and the immediate fifth-graders immediately wanted to grow something from the seeds and grains with which they worked!

At a practical lesson on plant physiology, conducted by associate professors of the Department of Botany and Plant Physiology V.I. Androsova and A.A.Starodubtseva, 10th grade cadets recalled the phenomenon of osmosis and discussed its biological significance for living systems. The lesson included an experimental part, in which the children themselves created an artificial Traube cell and observed osmotic processes: first on a model system, and then on living cells using a microscope.

In the class of associate professors of the Department of Animal Science, Fish Farming, Agronomy and Land Management A.Yu. Volkova and N.V. Grishina’s cadets learned about the fish wealth of Karelia, saw how valuable fish species are grown in the republic, as well as the importance of home aquaristics for people’s lives, received practical advice on how to properly arrange an aquarium and equipment in an apartment, how to choose fish and plants. An interactive lesson of the assistant professor of the same department L.A. Kuznetsova was devoted to the peculiarities of obtaining a large crop of potatoes using new scientific methods.

All classes aroused great interest, the cadets were very active, they asked a lot of questions.