"Adopt a Tree" at the ACSTAC

With the aim of promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STE(A)M), Anatolia College organized for the ninth year the Student Science & Technology Conference - ACSTAC (Anatolia College Science and Technology Annual Conference) on the premises of Anatolia College from Friday, March 10 to Sunday, March 12, 2023.

ACSTAC invited students of all grades of High School and Lyceum in Greece and abroad to develop research, critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills, presenting their work as real researchers in a student scientific conference. At least 350 students from public and private schools responded to the school's invitation and participated in the conference and project exhibition that attracted thousands of visitors. Through that process, children applied the principles of exploratory learning, sought information, explored solutions and built innovative products. In addition, they cultivated 21st century skills, such as collaboration, efficient use of technology, communication, personal and social responsibility and career guidance.

The focal point of the 9th ACSTAC was green education and the importance of linking the concept of sustainability and social responsibility with STE(A)M. In this context, workshops on green approach and STE(A)M were organized for both students and teachers.

Iro Koliakou, hostess of the conference, together with Astrinos Tsoutsoudakis, one of the co-authors of the “Adopt A Tree” teaching unit and Anastasia Papakonstantinou coordinated a relevant workshop. Several primary and secondary teachers and their students had the opportunity to build a transpiration meter, practice using software to record the hidden life of plants and also measure the potential difference between the plant trunk and the surrounding soil. The majority of the enthusiastic participants contacted the organizers later to request further assistance and guidance in building more complex instruments.

The good mood and hospitality, the kindness and support of the Anatolia College people made the 3-day conference an unforgettable experience for everyone.