Science education for the next generation

FULDA. There is currently a particularly cheerful atmosphere on the campus of Fulda University of Applied Sciences. For a fortnight, primary and secondary school pupils are enriching the area, as the MINT Laboratory Days are taking place for the 14th time. MINT stands for mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology. However, there is not only a lot going on on campus, but also with the cooperation partners from the Fulda region, who together form a network for the funding of young talent with the MINTmachClub Fulda project of the Fulda University of Applied Sciences. In total, around 1,400 children and young people are once again taking part in the network's twice-yearly series of events this spring.

The G6 class from Jakob-Grimm-Schule in Rotenburg, for example, had a lot of fun on campus. The pupils placed Lego bricks on top of each other, which gradually resulted in a small robot dog. Michael Mai from the MINTmachClub shows the class how to programme on a laptop. And together, the groups managed it: the little dog made noises and sat down. This was a completely new experience for the pupils: "We've never worked with robotics before. This is really fun." Michael Mai explained: "We combine elements of applied programming here. The children form groups for this, so we want to show that Together we are successful."

The concept was also well received by the rest of the class. "Our pupils are enthusiastic about the workshop and are happy just to be able to go to a university," reported teaching staff Eva Hofmann and Anne Riehl. They have both attended the MINT lab days at Fulda University of Applied Sciences on several occasions. Their conclusion: "The process is particularly exciting. Over the course of the workshop, the children lose their fear of contact. They get to grips with new topics and become more and more confident."

Getting the next generation excited about technology and science
"We are delighted that we are able to offer a varied program again this year. It is important to establish offers in the education sector at an early stage, especially in view of the shortage of skilled workers in the MINT sector. In addition to the syllabus, participants can tinker, tinker and experiment - this is how interest in the topics is awakened," explains Susan Gamper, who heads the MINTmachClub Fulda. "In this context, I am particularly grateful for the commitment of our departments and cooperation partners. Their employees pass on their knowledge and passion, making it possible to offer a total of 65 workshops again this semester."

A wide range of offers from creative computer science to animated film production
However, the school classes from Fulda and the entire region can do more than just deal with the little robot dogs. They also have the opportunity, for example, to spend a morning learning about food rescue or trying out laboratory experiments. They can learn how to make an animated film, have the universe explained to them by cooperation partners such as the Children's Academy or get involved in archaeological activities at the Vonderau Museum. The topics are diverse and vary from year to year.

The MINT Lab Days will take place until 27 March. The date for the next series of events will be published at hs-fulda.de/mint-labortage. The registration options for school classes can also be found there. Teaching staff who would like to be informed of dates by email can register at MINTmachClub(at)verw.hs-fulda.de.

Background to the MINT lab days
In cooperation with numerous MINT stakeholders from the region, Fulda University of Applied Sciences has been organising the popular series of courses for school classes of all school types for grades 1 to 10 since 2016. Further information and the current program can be found at hs-fulda.de/kooperieren/schulen/mintmachclub-fulda

The workshops at Fulda University of Applied Sciences are offered by the departments of Applied Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Consumer Sciences, Nutritional, Food and Consumer Sciences, Health Sciences and the MINTmachClub Fulda project. Cooperation partners are Chemikum Marburg, Hans-Nüchter-Sternwarte Fulda, University, State and Public Library Fulda, Kinder-Akademie Fulda, Fuldaer Kinder- und Jugendtreff Zitrone, Menschen & Medien e.V., Kulturzentrum Kreuz e.V., offenes Labor Fulda (oLaF), Stiftung Kinder forschen - Netzwerkpartner VHS Landkreis Fulda, Umweltzentrum Fulda, Vonderau Museum.

The MINTmachClub Fulda is one of the five MINT regions in Hesse. There are currently 157 MINT regions across Germany, each of which endeavours to make MINT education effective and sustainable through a variety of local offers. This network is funded and organised by the Körber Foundation based in Hamburg. All information can be found at mint-regionen.de