PPG Awards STEM Education Prizes to Primary School Students in Poland

PPG announced the winners of the third edition of Universiada, a STEM education competition that promotes science among primary school students. Funded with a $37,000 (140,000 zloty) grant from PPG, the program is carried out in partnership with the Association of Chemical Industry Engineers and Technicians and the University of Wrocław.

Universiada aims to inspire young people to discover science through their own research projects and helps them develop key skills such as teamwork, data analysis and time management. The competition is open to students aged 10-14, who work in teams of five on a chemistry project under the supervision of a teacher or guardian; the finalists presented their work to a jury of industry experts and academics experts last month at the University of Wrocław.

The first prize was awarded to a team from Orląt Lwowskich Primary School No. 2 in Wołów for its design of natural cosmetics for teenagers. The students conducted surveys among their peers and developed recipes for cosmetics from natural ingredients, including a moisturizing mask, a sugar scrub, a cream deodorant and a fragrance mist.

Second price went to the group from John Paul II Primary School No. 2 in Świeradów Zdrój who developed a bioplastic from potato starch and glycerin that has the potential to replace traditional plastics.

The third place was awarded to a team from Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński Primary School No. 37 in Wrocław for a project to produce natural dyes from plant waste such as onion skins, spinach leaves and beets that could be used in paints and inks.

“We believe that investing in the young generation is an investment in the future development of science and the sustainable development of the industry in which we operate,” says Maria Bogdańska, PPG portfolio development manager, Central and Eastern Europe, Architectural Coatings. “Through such initiatives, we want to inspire children to discover the fascinating world of chemistry, develop their creativity and analytical skills, and show how science can have a real impact on everyday life.”

“Universiada is an excellent example of how education and practice can be effectively combined,” said Jarosław Panek, a chemistry professor at the University of Wroclaw and one of the judges. “The projects presented by are proof that even the youngest can think innovatively and look for solutions to real problems. Such initiatives help build bridges between the academic world and the local community, inspiring future generations to discover the beauty of science.”