Pupils discover technology: robehunde and exciting experiments!

Pupils discover technology: robehunde and exciting experiments!

Senftenberg, Deutschland - On May 26, 2025, an event took place at the Senftenberg campus at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg campus, which should bring young learners closer to the world of science and technology. This initiative is part of the commitment of the college for MINT education promotion, which aims to arouse enthusiasm for natural sciences and technology at an early stage. The event began with an experimental lecture in chemistry, which was led by Prof. Peer Schmidt, in which the students were able to observe live chemical reactions. The students' interest was awakened by these vivid experiments.

The class was divided into two groups. While the first group experimented in the biology laboratory under the guidance of Ms. Gramov, the second group in the gym acquired the so-called "Robohund driver's license". In the biology laboratory, the focus was on practical experiments for microscopy, in which the students sparked microorganisms and carried out clapping tests. Ms. Gramov was positive about the curiosity and the joy of the pupils.

technology and robot

In the gym, the students learned the properties of dogs that serve as role models for robotic systems. They went through a practice-oriented course with stations such as "slalom run", "wobbly paw", "Wolfshöhle" and "Robo-Dog". The children were enthusiastic about the technology and the control of the robot dogs. After a time change of the groups, so that all students could experience both stations, all participants received their "Robohund driver's license" at the end of the day. Headmistress Ms. Hacke drew a positive conclusion and was interested in future events, especially with the humanoid robot "Ami".

In addition to such events in schools, there are nationwide initiatives that promote the MINT training courses. The BMBF pursues a holistic and networked approach in the MINT formation. The MINT action plan, which includes various funding measures along the educational chain, is continued consistently. The important initiatives include the "House of Little Researchers" and student competitions such as "Jugend research". The foundation of "Mint networking" as a central point of contact in Germany is intended to improve educational offers and promote exchange and advice to inspire more young people for MINT professions.

analysis and research in class

Another example of practical MINT formation is the analysis that students of the chemistry in class 10a carried out at the University of Cologne. The aim of this investigation was to check the advertising show of the drink "Powerade", which claims to contain "more" than water. The students analyzed the content of six different ions and the sugar content of the drink and compared the minerals in the drink with those in sweat. The result showed that powerade contains more ingredients than water, but with regard to the mineral content behind mineral water and is therefore not suitable to replace lost minerals after exercise.

Overall, these examples show how important it is to inspire young people for scientific and technical topics. Events such as those on the Senftenberg campus contribute to the fact that pupils actively deal with MINT subjects and recognize their relevance for their future. The ongoing use for MINT formation is essential in order to secure the young skate of skilled workers sustainably and to strengthen interest in these disciplines.

BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg reports that ...
IGS Bonn provides further details for analysis in chemistry.
Education research provides a comprehensive overview of the MINT initiatives in Germany.