The Faculties of Nursing and Health Sciences (FNHS) and Natural and Applied Sciences (FNAS) at Notre Dame University-Louaize, North Campus (NDU-NLC), recently hosted a collaborative science outreach event targeting high school students with curious scientific minds.
The event welcomed approximately 90 enthusiastic Grade 12 students from three participating schools: Bishmizzine High School, Collège des Frères – Deddeh, and École des Religieuses de Nazareth – Kfarzeina. Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of interactive laboratory activities designed to showcase different scientific disciplines. These activities included:
- Radial Immunodiffusion: Exploring antibody-antigen interactions to understand immune responses
- Body Composition Analysis: Using bioelectrical impedance to assess health and fitness metrics
- Electrophoresis: Demonstrating the separation of molecules such as DNA, RNA, or proteins
- Soap Synthesis: Engaging in hands-on chemistry experiments to understand chemical reactions and household science
In addition to laboratory experiments, students had the opportunity to explore scientific careers, meet faculty members from FNHS and FNAS, and interact with current NDU students who shared their academic experiences and insights.
Feedback from both instructors and participating students was overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the engaging, informative, and enjoyable nature of the event. Many students expressed a heightened interest in pursuing science-related fields, and faculty members appreciated the chance to connect with potential future students and foster interest in STEM education.
This initiative not only ignited curiosity about science and research among high school students but also strengthened partnerships and communication between NDU and local educational institutions.
By bringing together students, faculty, and educational leaders, the event exemplified NDU-NLC’s commitment to hands-on, experiential learning beyond the traditional classroom setting. The opportunity to engage directly with scientific tools and methods helped demystify complex concepts and foster a more inclusive and inspiring environment for young learners.
Moreover, this outreach serves as a bridge connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application, equipping students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in STEM careers. It also supports the broader vision of enhancing scientific literacy within the community and across the science and healthcare fields.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to the schools whose participation made this initiative a success. With more science-centered events on the horizon at the NDU campus, schools are encouraged to take part in nurturing young minds and building a strong foundation for future scientists and healthcare professionals.
As NDU-NLC continues to expand its outreach programs, there is growing anticipation that such efforts will inspire more students to pursue higher education in science and health disciplines, ultimately contributing to Lebanon’s development in research, innovation, and public health.