At MSP, we believe it’s vital not only to teach science and technology in class but also to use them as tools that help students understand the world around them and access a more engaging and dynamic form of education.
What is “Ora de știut”?
The “Ora de știut” is a bold initiative by a group of partners whose collaboration forged an educational core, eventually transformed into an optional curriculum that students can choose from their school’s elective offerings.
Since its inception, this successful project has been supported by the Ilfov County School Inspectorate, Ilfov County Council, Măgurele Science Park Association, and Digi World Romania.
When did the journey begin?
The “Ora de știut” is paired with the educational platform oradestiut.ro (available to registered users), where Digipedia offers interview‑style content categorized as: Curiosity, A Conversation with the Planet, Humanity and Outer Space, Global Economy Trends, and Future Technologies.
Since 2022, the “Minds Challenge” competition has taken place annually to draw students closer to science—not just because they have to, but because it can be captivating, and studying it at their own pace and in their own way can become enjoyable, and perhaps even a vocation.
So here we are at the end of the third edition of “Minds Challenge,” this year’s theme being:
“Unleash the green revolution: use artificial intelligence to create a sustainable future!”
What makes the “Ora de știut” special?
The “Ora de știut” isn’t necessarily special because of its format, but because it enables students to realize they are unique and can excel in subjects they never imagined.
It’s a safe space where students not only receive validation that their ideas have impact and potential for future careers but also one where their creativity takes flight—toward any topic that sparks a little flame in their minds.
It’s also a platform (via oradestiut.ro) that fosters discovery, critical thinking, analogical reasoning, and higher‑order cognitive processes that children need at every stage of development.
Which schools participated this year in “Minds Challenge”?
This year, ten schools registered:
- School No. 1 Ciolpani School;
- “Anton Pann” School;
- No. 1 Buftea School;
- No. 1 Grădiștea School;
- “Gheorghe Corneliu” School;
- No. 2 Crețești School;
- “Alexandru Odobescu” School;
- “Ioan Bădescu” School;
- No. 1 Ciorogârla School;
- No. 3, Sintești School.
Each school could be represented by one or more teams of up to three students, each guided by a teacher. Projects ranged from building an intelligent trash bin to creating models of green‑energy cities and miniature windmills.
How was the awards ceremony conducted and what did students say about the “Ora de știut”?
Deputy General School Inspector Cristina Petre Ghiță (representing the Ilfov County School Inspectorate) opened the ceremony by thanking the teachers involved, and especially the students, for their dedicated efforts in creating complex and innovative projects.
Florentina Buică and Laurențiu Dinu from MSP presented how students could benefit from free visits to research institutes and participate in other technology‑oriented educational competitions organized by the Măgurele Science Park Association.
Who were the winners?
We congratulate this year’s winners and encourage them to continue creating outstanding—or even better—projects:
- 1st Place – “Smart Bin”, by Maria Irina Dobre and Daria Maria Ștefan ( from “Anton Pann” School)
- 2nd Place – “Windmill” and “Green City of the Future”, by Eric Gabriel Năstase, Călin Nicolae Popa, and Luca Ioan Popa (No. 1 Ciorogârla School and“Gheorghe Corneliu” School)
- 3rd Place – “The Future Starts Here”, by Karina Vasilică, Mirela Gîjgă, and Bianca Tiliman ( No. 2 Crețești School)
- Popularity Award – “Techno‑Agriculture”, by Daniel Ioan Manea (No. 1 Grădiștea School)
All students were awarded and encouraged to persevere, and to share their impressions from participating in the “Ora de știut” elective.
Testimonials:
“Ora de știut is truly amazing! It’s a concept that helps you improve your knowledge and develop skills in various fields. By participating in this class, you can discover new things, ask questions, and explore interesting topics. It’s an excellent way to expand your horizons and connect with other people passionate about learning.” – A., school student
“Hour of Knowledge is unique! In this class, we escape the stress of other lessons. We build projects, models, and interesting designs. The content is engaging—we learn about robotics, the cosmos, energy, and much more. Super!!!” – D., school student
“You only look forward to a class if it’s ‘Ora de știut.’ New things, freedom of expression, teamwork, imagination in action—that’s what school should be: not boring. Can all classes be like this?” – R., school student
These are just a few insights from sixth graders at Școala Gimnazială No. 1 Ciorogârla, Ilfov, who participated in the “Ora de știut” competition last year.
We look to the future with determination and confidence in our children’s potential
We know challenges can be complex, but when a child is allowed to freely explore the universe, astonishing results can follow.
We extend our gratitude to all partners supporting this initiative—our founding pillars: the Ilfov County School Inspectorate, Ilfov County Council, Măgurele Science Park Association, Digi World Romania—and to our sponsor dacris.ro for their support in providing student awards.
We’ll see you again in our next educational adventures, and remember:
“Learning is not the product of teaching; it is the product of the activity of learners.”
— John Holt
