Technology is not boring; on the contrary, it is a journey full of discovery and adventure. This is the main message of the Children’s Technical University at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. This year, the faculty once again invited children into the world of physical laws. On Wednesday, 3 June, Dean Vladimír Duchek ceremonially presented diplomas to the young graduates on the university campus in the presence of their families.
“Thanks to you, future engineers, designers, and perhaps even professors may be standing here today. Without your patience, encouragement, and interest, this would not have been possible,” the dean told the children’s parents in his speech.
Throughout the school year, children attending lessons in Pilsen, Klatovy, and Cheb had the opportunity to try a wide range of activities suited to their age and abilities. They had the chance to program, use 3D printers, examine materials under a microscope, carry out chemical experiments, and learn more about energy and CNC machining. With the help of experts, they discovered that modern mechanical engineering relies on computers and uses artificial intelligence. The program also included
excursions to manufacturing companies in cooperation with industrial partners.
“The best part was the chemical experiments in the laboratory. I also enjoyed making a paper rocket and trying to launch it. I liked that it was not always the same and that we could try different things,” said nine-year-old Tomáš.
“My little one came home excited every time; 3D printing was clearly his favorite,” added one mother whose ten-year-old son also took part in the course. This year, 40 children attended the Children’s Technical University courses in Pilsen, 30 in Klatovy, and 19 in Cheb. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is preparing the next jubilee, the 10th edition of the event, for the autumn. Those interested can already register on the
Children’s Technical University website.
This year’s event was once again supported by the Pilsen Region and the cities of Pilsen and Klatovy. Regional companies and schools also contributed to the program, including Doosan Škoda Power, Konplan, the Klatovy-based non-profit organization Úhlava, the Secondary Technical School in Klatovy, J. Vrchlický Grammar School in Klatovy, the Secondary School of Agriculture and Food Industry in Klatovy, and the Integrated Secondary School in Cheb.
