Summer School of Science is an international summer workshop established in 2001. It is organized by the Society for Out-of-Frame Education in Požega, Croatia. The program aims at high school students and offers a diverse range of research projects and lectures in the fields of science and technology.
Summer School of Science is organized in two camps: S3 (for grades 9 and 10) and S3++ (for grades 11 and 12), where students get a chance to work in small groups on a real scientific project, guided by a mentor. This is accompanied by evening lectures from eminent scientists from all over the world. Due to our international friends and colleagues, the official language of the School is English.
More information about the projects, daily activities, application process and practical information can be found on this website.
The next edition of the Summer School will be held:
S3 2023: July 23rd - August 2nd
S3++ 2023: August 3rd - August 13th
Man's mind, stretched to a new idea, never goes back to its original dimensions.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes
Summer School of Science is a unique place where like-minded individuals of all ages get together to share their enthusiasm for knowledge and discovery. Talented and highly motivated students, often neglected in their regular school environments, are presented with personal challenges that build self-confidence and encourage them to "think big". In an open and informal atmosphere, students and their mentors from all over the world work in teams and exchange ideas freely. Together they find inspiration and courage to achieve more once they are back in their home environments. They form long-lasting relationships that not only help their individual careers, but also promote international and intercultural understanding. Our creative mentors, devoted to scientific and personal excellence, teach through passion. They use personalized approach to every student, making sure everyone has the best experience possible.
Beyond popularization of science, we aim to create a global network of high school students, young scientists and social entrepreneurs who are committed to building knowledge-based societies. We see Summer School of Science as a platform for personal growth. In our community, every generation takes care of the younger one, ensuring continuation of our volunteer-based project. Former school participants often become mentors themselves and stay involved by supporting the school in various ways. We encourage and nurture leadership skills by providing young people with challenges of project design, mentoring and organizing events. By bringing together young leaders of different nationalities, we hope to provide a model for similar projects in other countries.
Our daily lives at school are a lot of fun, if you like science. It can also be quite useful, if you plan to study science at the university. You usually learn basic concepts of science in the regular school - about acids in chemistry, about electricity in physics or about genes in biology. This is certainly important for your education, but you are missing a critical part - the scientific method.
How do we ask questions about the phenomena in nature? How do we answer them? And how can you be sure about what you've found? The Summer School of Science is the place to learn all about it. Since we believe that the best way to learn is by example and practice, we'll put you in the position of being a scientist. You will work on a very specific topic with a project leader and a team of few other participants. Together, you will specify the problem, design the experiment and analyze the results to answer one of the interesting questions in science.
Summer School of Science is located in Požega, a town in the beautiful eastern part of Croatia - Slavonia. With the population of 30 000, the town has everything to support you daily needs - a post office, grocery shops, restaurant, cafes, fast internet connection, etc.
Požega is located 178 km from the city of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and 100 km from Osijek, the biggest city in Slavonia. It is well connected by bus lines and highway (nearest exits are Nova Gradiška, Lužani and Slavonski Brod) to all major cities in Croatia. If you are going by train, you need to change train in Nova Gradiška or Batrina (you can also take a bus from Nova Gradiška). For those who wish to fly, the closest airports are in Zagreb and Osijek.
Note: Bear in mind that the School takes place during the busy tourist season, so book a bus or plane seat early. Inform us on the exact time of your arrival once you know it.
Links:
Croatian Railways Timetable (for international trains to Croatia check this page)
Bus Station Zagreb
Airports in Zagreb and Osijek
Croatian National Tourist Board
This year, we are looking to improve the quality of the food and accommodation offered at the School. We will publish the details soon.
Since the School takes time in the middle of summer, it is often quite warm in Požega (it can get up to 40 °C). So pack light clothes (T-shirts, shorts etc). In case of bad weather, or possible work during the night, it might be good to have some warm clothes with you as well. Sneakers and sunscreen are good to take for the field trip. Mosquito repellent might come handy as well. Clean sheets are provided, but you should bring your own towels. Washing machines will not be available.
Some participants bring their own calculators, digital cameras and laptops, but they are not required, and will be provided if needed. However, we would recommend that you bring your own laptop if you would prefer to work on it and more easily continue after the School is over. Some participants bring their musical instruments to make a nice atmosphere during the leisure time.
If you have a medical condition (like allergies or any chronic condition), make sure you bring enough medication and notify the organizers in advance!
Organizers and present members of the Organizing Committee have experience in working with high-school students and will make every effort to meet the needs of participants. The School organizers will ensure participants' safety and well-being within the maximum of their possibilities. The necessary precaution measures will be undertaken in order to prevent any accidents and injuries. In case of distress or emergency organizers will ensure a fast transport to Požega Health Center and Hospital where participants will be provided with medical care. It should be noted that all the participants are insured while staying at the Summer School of Science with an insurance policy.
Crnojezerska 20
HR-10000 Zagreb
Croatia