PRACTICAL WORK OF SENIOR PUPILS AT THE RESEARCH LABORATORY: EXPERIENCE OF VILNIUS GABIJA GYMNASIUM

Biotechnology is a very fast growing industry worldwide, as well as in Lithuania. Lithuania is famous for its achievements in the field of biotechnology, however, one of the problems which restricts the development of biotechnology and natural science research, is a lack of specialists. Therefore, it is very important to have the school-oriented pupils to choose this line of study. The decision of pupils to choose a certain profession is often determined by the practical examples which demonstrate the attractiveness and prospects of the profession. However, schools have limited opportunities to introduce to senior pupils the field of biotechnology and natural sciences and demonstrate the specificity of this work. Since 2014, the Vilnius Gabija gymnasium has carried out a successful activity, which aims to introduce to the senior pupils the practical work in the modern molecular biology laboratory. The gymnasium collaborates with the Institute of Biotechnology of Vilnius University, which provides an opportunity to the group of senior pupils to perform experiments at the laboratories of this institute. The program of practical work is prepared for the whole school year, so the pupils gain systematic knowledge and practical skills.