Daegu University physics education department unites three generations for science festival in Gumi

Professors, current students and alumni teachers from Daegu University's Department of Physics Education came together to hold a festival aimed at spreading science culture in the region.

The university hosted the inaugural "Connecting the Science of Hope" event and the "Science Car Festival of Hope" on Saturday at Gumi Science Museum's outdoor grounds and auditorium.

The event drew added significance from the participation of three generations — university professors, physics teachers who graduated from the program, and the middle and high school students those teachers now instruct.

Alumni working as physics teachers at middle and high schools across North Gyeongsang Province, organized through the creative convergence teacher research group P.H.A.S.E, ran nine hands-on booths with their students. Activities included AR robot battles, generative AI science hero creation, sports science and solar observation.

Current students in the physics education department staged a science play to spark scientific curiosity among younger children.

The event drew particular attention for carrying forward the spirit of sharing behind two long-running programs: "Science Sprouts Festival of Hope," a science event for students with disabilities that the department has held for 21 consecutive years, and "Science Car of Hope," an outreach initiative that brings science to underserved communities in the region.

"It is deeply rewarding to see students who practiced sharing during their university years grow into outstanding physics teachers and now carry on that spirit with their own students," said Im Seong-min, a professor in Daegu University's Department of Physics Education. "We will continue working to spread science culture in the region and to nurture excellent science teachers."