I am pleased to share the highlights of this year's Byurakan Science Camp (BSC), which successfully hosted 42 students, aged 10-14, from various provinces and Yerevan. These young enthusiasts spent an enriching week discovering the wonders of stars and space, engaging in hands-on learning, and interacting with distinguished scientists and researchers.
Notably, 12 schoolchildren from the Sisian community earned their spots by excelling in FAR's STEM Physics Subject Quiz.
Eva Davtyan, a 13-year-old from Sisian, expressed her excitement: "I wanted to learn more in this field but didn’t know how until I heard about this camp. Students from my school who attended before were very impressed, so I was thrilled to join. I learned so much about astronomy and physics. One highlight was understanding how sound waves can be transformed into electric waves using a laser. Observing a double star through a telescope was particularly fascinating.”
Camp Organizer Sona Farmanyan remarked, "For children interested in physics, astronomy, and mathematics, this is a paradise. Our mornings are filled with interactive and informal lectures, followed by excursions, sports games, intellectual challenges, and independent assignments in the afternoons. The children visited physics institutes, conducted experiments, and attended seminars. Besides visiting nearby churches and historical sites, we also had night stargazing sessions that the children loved."
Eduard Karapetyan, FAR Educational Program Director, emphasized the importance of a decade-long partnership with the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory and the Armenian Astronomical Society in nurturing the curiosity and scientific passion of young Armenians through STEM-focused camps. "Our cooperation with the observatory has become a tradition for these children. The growth and evolution of science are driven by a love of learning, which programs like this inspire," he remarked.
Initiated in 2014 by Sona Farmanyan and Areg Mikayelyan, the BSC program enjoys strong support from late Professor Yervant Terzian, founder of FAR's ANSEF program and world renown astrophysicist. His legacy continues to inspire future generations. Since its inception, more than 400 schoolchildren from all regions of Armenia have participated in the BSC.
To inspire more young minds to explore stars and space, and to ignite curiosity among the next generation of Armenian scientists, consider donating to FAR today for our STEM Education programs.
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