The Chemistry Study Programme of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Banja Luka, actively participated in the implementation of the Second Winter Camp “Želim više”, which was ceremonially opened on 15 January 2026. The camp brought together more than 200 students and around 70 teachers from primary and secondary schools across the Republic of Srpska.
As part of this year’s camp, the Chemistry Study Programme delivered two scientific and educational workshops, tailored to different age groups and levels of prior knowledge, and designed to introduce chemistry to young participants in an interactive and inquiry-based manner.
The workshop “Chemical Quest” was intended for students of the 5th, 6th and 7th grades of primary school. Through solving scientific challenges using commonly available household materials, students became familiar with basic chemical concepts, which they observed and interpreted within the broader context of natural laws. This structured, age-appropriate workshop served as a form of preparation for chemistry classes in higher grades, while also fostering an investigative spirit, logical thinking, and interest in the natural sciences. The authors of this workshop were Prof. Dr Milica Balaban and Senior Teaching Assistant Dejana Savić.
For students of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades of secondary school, the workshop “Welcome to CIA (Chemical Instrumental Adventure)” was conducted, designed as a simulation of real work in a research laboratory. After receiving the theoretical background necessary to solve a specific research task, students assumed the role of young researchers, independently sampling and preparing samples, performing analyses, and interpreting the obtained results. Sunscreen creams were examined, and the students’ task was to identify UV filters in an unknown sunscreen sample and determine which brand the cream belonged to. In doing so, they had the opportunity to work with a UV/VIS spectrophotometer and learned how to interpret UV spectra of sunscreen products. The author of this workshop was Prof. Dr Dijana Jelić, and its implementation also involved Senior Teaching Assistant Dragana Gajić, as well as fourth-year students of the Chemistry Study Programme Sandra Gašić, Tamara Malešević and Dajana Bulatović, who, through their engagement, provided significant support to the students during practical work and data analysis.
The participation of the Chemistry Study Programme in the Second winter camp “I want more” represents a significant contribution to the popularization of science and the development of functional knowledge among students, as well as to strengthening the connection between university and pre-university education. Through hands-on activities, teamwork, and an inquiry-based approach, students were given the opportunity to experience chemistry as an interesting, dynamic and applicable science, which is one of the key objectives of such educational programmes.