Volzhsky School No. 14 Triumphs with Innovative Project!
A student of Volzhsky School No. 14, Matvey Reznikov, has flexed those cerebral muscles and emerged as the champion of the Rosmolodezh grant competition. His brainchild, the project titled “Immersive Lessons ‘Gradomania VR'”, is set to turn the educational landscape of the Volgograd region upside down. And don’t worry, it’s not just upside down; it’s wearing a VR helmet while doing it!
This ambitious project is supported by the urban planning team of Volzhsky administration, because who doesn’t love a good dose of bureaucratic backing when you’re trying to build a utopia like a modern-day Minecraft? Matvey, together with his spirited comrades from the children’s technology park Quantorium “Volzhsky Polytechnic”, crafted a sophisticated computer program allowing schoolchildren to roll up their sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty of urban design. Yes, folks! They’re learning how to actually create a comfortable urban space and plan its development—who needs boring lectures when you’ve got virtual reality?
These immersive lessons promise to turn the dreaded school class into an exhilarating adventure—think less of dusty textbooks and more of racing around in a digital city, architecture hardhat firmly placed on their virtual heads!
Matvey’s mission? To inject a good dose of urbanism knowledge into the veins of the youth, all while stirring up a love for their hometown. “I’m very glad we received support at this level!” he exclaimed, probably jumping up and down like a kid in a candy store. This isn’t just about building parks and squares; it’s about cultivating a generation that gives a hoot about civic duty and perhaps, with any luck, a sprinkle of patriotism for good measure!
Oh, and don’t think this is just a digital playground for younglings to frolic about; students will embark on a rigorous three-module course featuring enthralling topics such as:
- “Renovation of panel buildings”—because who wouldn’t want their childhood home to look less like a 1970s relic?
- “Transport Infrastructure”—helping kids understand why it takes a rocket scientist to just get a bus to arrive on time!
- “Improvement of squares and parks” — transforming urban wastelands into magical wonderlands!
At the end of this training carnival, participants will display their masterpieces—visualizations of their local improvement projects, which they will then elevate to the digital realm. Think of it as “Project Runway” meets “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” but for cities! And fear not, their endeavor won’t go unnoticed, as experts will be there, not just to critique but to give constructive feedback. I mean, who doesn’t love a good public display of innovative thinking?
The project is set to kick off in the quaint little towns across the Volgograd region this year, and it begs the question: will we soon have a generation addicted to urban planning? If Matvey and his friends have anything to say about it, the answer is a resounding yes!
Speaking of local talent, let’s not forget the rich cultural tapestry that continues to weave its way through Volzhsky. Just recently, a concert titled “In song is my life!” was held at the local children’s music school, dedicated to the esteemed composer Alexandra Nikolaevna Pakhmutova. So, if you’re in the region, catch a whiff of the arts as the region embraces both innovation in urban planning and the classics.
A remarkable achievement has emerged from Volzhsky School No. 14, where student Matvey Reznikov has been awarded the prestigious Rosmolodezh grant for his innovative project titled “Immersive Lessons ‘Gradomania VR’.” This significant initiative, aimed at reshaping urban education, will be rolled out across the region with the endorsement of the urban planning department of the Volzhsky administration.
As part of the ambitious “Immersive Lessons ‘Gradomania VR’” initiative, Matvey Reznikov, alongside a dedicated team of fellow students from the children’s technology park “Quantorium ‘Volzhsky Polytechnic,’” has developed an advanced computer program. This program is designed to empower schoolchildren with the skills to independently conceptualize and foster a comfortable urban environment while strategically planning its future development. The project entails engaging, on-site interactive lessons within educational institutions spread across various settlements in the Volgograd region. These lessons will utilize cutting-edge virtual reality technology, including powerful laptops equipped with VR software and VR helmets that facilitate a full immersion into the learning experience for all participants.
It should be noted that students from the Quantorium Volzhsky Polytechnic are already actively participating in the implementation of this ground-breaking project, showcasing their commitment to urban education and innovation.
– The goal of our project is to popularize knowledge about urbanism and highlight the tools of urban transformation that form an active civic position among young people, including patriotic education and love for their hometown or village. I am very glad that we received support at this level! I hope our project will attract new like-minded people and change their view of the improvement of the city,” – expressed Matvey Reznikov enthusiastically.
It is worth noting that within the framework of the “Gradomania VR” educational program, participating schoolchildren will undertake a comprehensive course consisting of three distinct modules:
“Renovation of panel buildings”;
“Transport infrastructure”;
“Improvement of squares and parks.”
Upon completing their training, each student will create a detailed visualization of improvements for their local area, translating these concepts into a virtual format. At the program’s conclusion, participants will present their projects, with insights and critiques offered by experts in the field regarding the enhancement and development of specific territories.
This year marks the exciting commencement of the project’s implementation in several small towns throughout the Volgograd region.
Let us remind you that on November 6, in Volzhsky, at children’s music school No. 3, a concert “In song is my life!” took place, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the outstanding composer of our time, honorary citizen of the Volgograd region, People’s Artist of the USSR – Alexandra Nikolaevna Pakhmutova.
Ksenia Starodumova
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News on Notepad-Volzhsky
**Interview with Matvey Reznikov, Champion of the Rosmolodezh Grant Competition**
**Ksenia Starodumova:** Congratulations, Matvey, on winning the Rosmolodezh grant for your project “Immersive Lessons ‘Gradomania VR’!” How does it feel to be recognized for your innovative work?
**Matvey Reznikov:** Thank you so much, Ksenia! It feels absolutely incredible! I’m thrilled that our project is gaining recognition and support. We’ve worked really hard to make this vision of immersive learning a reality, and winning this grant is a validation of our efforts.
**Ksenia:** Your project aims to reshape urban education in the Volgograd region through virtual reality. Can you explain how “Gradomania VR” works?
**Matvey:** Of course! The idea behind “Gradomania VR” is to give students hands-on experience in urban planning through virtual simulations. We created software that allows young learners to explore urban design concepts by rolling up their sleeves in a digitally immersive environment. Instead of traditional lectures, they can actually experience what it’s like to plan and improve their surroundings. It makes learning much more engaging!
**Ksenia:** That sounds fascinating! Can you tell us about the specific modules you mentioned, like “Renovation of panel buildings” and “Transport Infrastructure”?
**Matvey:** Yes! Each module focuses on crucial aspects of urban design. For example, in “Renovation of panel buildings,” students learn how to redesign older structures to make them more liveable and appealing. The “Transport Infrastructure” module dives into the complexities of urban mobility—why certain solutions work and others don’t. And in “Improvement of squares and parks,” we explore how to transform public spaces into inviting areas for the community. It’s all about helping them think critically about their environment.
**Ksenia:** It sounds like this project not only teaches technical skills but also fosters civic responsibility among students. How do you think this will impact their view of their hometown?
**Matvey:** Absolutely! We want to ignite a sense of pride and responsibility in the students. By engaging them in their community’s development, they’ll grow to appreciate what they have and aspire to make it better. It’s essential for the next generation to feel invested in their cities so they can contribute positively to society.
**Ksenia:** What excites you most about the future of this project?
**Matvey:** I’m really excited to see how the students will embrace this new learning format! At the end of our program, they’ll present their urban improvement projects, and I can’t wait to see the innovative ideas they come up with. I truly believe we’re nurturing a generation that will prioritize urban planning—who knows, some of them might become the architects of our future cities!
**Ksenia:** An inspiring vision indeed! Thank you, Matvey, for sharing your insights, and best of luck with “Gradomania VR.”
**Matvey:** Thank you, Ksenia! I’m looking forward to seeing how this initiative unfolds in the Volgograd region!
