At the initiative of Adyghe State University, Orlyonok launched the first interdisciplinary shifts of the Lomonosov project for seventh-graders.

The "Lomonosov" educational project, which will include specialized interdisciplinary educational sessions for seventh-grade students interested in mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry, was launched at the Orlyonok All-Russian Children's Center at the initiative of Adyghe State University with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The project will involve students who have not yet had experience studying these subject areas in depth or participating in high-ranking Olympiads.

The educational program was developed by a group of experts and scientists from Adyghe State University, the All-Russian Children's Center "Orlyonok," and project partners—Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, and the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI. 

Regions experiencing a shortage of resources for developing science education have been identified for participation in the shift. A total of five shifts are planned, to be held in the spring and fall at the Olympic Village children's camp. Orlyonok will host two hundred students in each shift, divided into two tracks: physics and mathematics and chemistry and biology. Partner universities have developed special educational programs for these students, offering in-depth study of mathematics, physics, and biology, an introduction to chemistry, and interdisciplinary courses that will help them understand how mathematics and chemistry, physics and biology, and so on, can interact. A space will be set aside for presentations by science popularizers and project-based activities. The shifts focus on scientific patriotism and developing specialists for the country's technological leadership.

"The Lomonosov project aims to help students living far from major scientific and educational centers realize their potential. Another relevant and exciting goal of the shift is to combine the core educational program with additional curricula within a single Orlyonok project shift, creating an interdisciplinary environment, and also to integrate it with project-based and educational work aimed at instilling in schoolchildren a reverent, respectful attitude toward Russian science and pride in their country ," said ASU Rector Daud Mamiy.

Participants in the first shift (during the fourth "Orlyonok" shift) included seventh-graders from Adygea, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, the Kostroma, Kursk, and Ryazan regions, and the city of Sevastopol. To participate, students registered on the Adygea State University platform, selected their desired area of ​​study, and then, at a regional site, completed a comprehensive assignment in person, including tasks in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. They were given 2.5 hours to complete the assignment. The process was videotaped at each site to ensure the objectivity of the selection process. University staff observed the selection process at three sites.     

During the shift, the students will attend school classes and specially organized developmental clubs in their respective areas. Part of their time will be devoted to teamwork and project work. 

Adygea State University is fully responsible for the specialized portion of the educational program. The program's implementation involves the best students from participating universities. The program's curators are university and college professors and top Moscow teachers with successful experience preparing schoolchildren for subject Olympiads. Before the start of the shift, the faculty held preparatory classes for teachers from Orlyonok schools, future curators of advanced subject study, and counselors to ensure the programs were synchronized and interconnected. 

The VDC team took on the responsibility of organizing the shift, providing the necessary material and technical resources for the project, and developing the educational component.    

"Our goal is not only to teach young researchers to think outside the box but also to help them find their place in life and their country. The Orlyonok camp creates a unique environment where schoolchildren meet outstanding scientists and passionate students to truly develop a love of science. By answering the questions 'Who am I?' and 'What do I want to do?', we help children better understand themselves. We want children's dreams to lead to great discoveries and give birth to new Korolevs and Gagarins—dedicated to their work and their country," said Alexander Dzheus, director of the Orlyonok All-Russian Children's Center .

The participation of a large pool of partners will help schoolchildren see their development potential. After the shift, children should have an individual development path with the possibility of further support. Over time, graduates of the Lomonosov Project shift will be able to participate in subject Olympiads and specialized shifts and programs at the Sirius Educational Center and the Orlyonok All-Russian Children's Center. If the Lomonosov Project is successful, the talent development system can be scaled up. 

The first session of the project will last until April 15. The selection process for the next session of the Lomonosov project begins on March 29. Schoolchildren from the Republic of Dagestan, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra, the Chechen Republic, the Vladimir, Omsk, and Murmansk regions, the Republic of Crimea, and Khabarovsk Krai will participate. Applications from applicants are already being submitted to the organizing committee.