First steps. Naberezhnye Chelny State Pedagogical University holds Regional Scientific and Practical Conference “Steps into Science” for schoolchildren

Naberezhnye Chelny State Pedagogical University hosted the Regional Scientific
and Practical Conference for schoolchildren “Steps into Science”. The event
brought together talented schoolchildren passionate about research in the natural
sciences. The conference organizers - Associate Professors G. Akhkiyamova, R.
Zaripova, and A. Kiyamova from the Department of Physical Education and
Sports, Natural Science Education, and Teaching Methods - created a rich
scientific program aimed at unlocking the research potential of the participants.
Associate Professors M. Akhmetova and E. Akhmetova, Instructor R. Safargalina
from InPeCo, as well as students from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Physical
Education and Sports majoring in Geography, also actively took part in the
conference. Their support helped create an atmosphere of scientific dialogue and
continuity between generations.
The conference was organized into three thematic sections:
“Living Nature: Structure, Functions, Interactions” - participants presented
research on biodiversity, ecosystems, the role of individual species in natural
communities, and the impact of anthropogenic factors on living nature. “Humans
and the Environment: Risks and Safety Strategies” - this section addressed current
issues of safety, sustainable development of territories, human adaptation to
environmental changes, and minimization of technogenic impact. “Geographical
and Ecological Features of the Region” - schoolchildren shared results of field
research, cartographic projects, and analysis of natural and socio-economic
processes in the Republic of Tatarstan.
The students from Naberezhnye Chelny, as well as from the Muslyumovsky,
Aktanyshsky, Sarmanovsky, Bugulminsky, and Tukayevsky municipal districts of
the Republic of Tatarstan were the participants of the event. The geography of the
participants underscored the interregional character of the conference and enabledexperience exchange among students from different parts of the region.
The atmosphere of the event was marked by high participant engagement:
presentations were accompanied by lively discussions, questions, and suggestions
for further research. Many works stood out for their depth, relevance, and practical
significance - for example, projects such as “Phytoncidal Activity of Plants and
Their Effect on Microorganisms”, “Ecological Trail 'Shebez Waterfall'”, and
“Current Trends in the Spread of Bad Habits in the School Environment”.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to all presenters and their supervisors for
preparing the participants for this event.
The “Steps into Science” conference reaffirmed its role as an effective platform for
supporting young researchers.