Fun with science: Year 4 visited the Agnes-Pockels-Laboratory in Braunschweig
What did the children do and what did they take away from it?
Content of the three experiments
- In the first experiment (“finger warmer”), sunlight was concentrated using a type of mini solar cooker, so that the finger in the funnel became significantly warmer than the finger exposed to direct sunlight; this allowed the children to experience concentrated solar energy.
- In the “wind elevator,” the air flow set the wind turbine in motion, tensioning the rubber band and lifting the nail attached to the string, demonstrating how the kinetic energy of the wind can perform mechanical work.
- In the “small hydroelectric power plant,” a jet of water drove the self-built water wheel, with the rotational speed changing with different amounts of water and heights of fall, thus demonstrating the basic principle of hydroelectric power.
Added value for students
- The learners experienced three forms of energy (sun, wind, water) not in the abstract, but through their own activities with all their senses, which strengthens their understanding of energy conversion in a lasting way and motivates them.
- They practiced scientific working methods such as careful construction, observation, comparison, and drawing conclusions from their observations.
- The tasks promote long-term problem-solving skills, encourage teamwork, and raise awareness of renewable energies and their importance for a sustainable energy supply.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is the Agnes Pockels Laboratory at TU Braunschweig?
The Agnes Pockels Laboratory at the Technical University of Braunschweig is a student science lab where children and young people can actively conduct experiments. It is aimed at school classes of all ages and seeks to awaken and promote interest in science, especially among girls.
What extracurricular activities does the laboratory offer?
In addition to the events held in the laboratory, the facility supports schools by lending them experiment kits containing materials and instructions. The laboratory works closely with various schools in the Braunschweig region and is part of the TU's network of extracurricular learning locations. It offers:
- Organization of experiment days for school classes in the laboratory of the Technical University of Braunschweig, where students conduct research independently in small groups.
- Study groups and vacation courses for particularly interested children and young people, in which they can engage in “real research” over longer periods of time.
What are the topics, content, and educational goals of the lab?
The experiments are designed to be relevant to everyday life and suitable for children. Many of the experiments are designed so that even elementary school children can carry them out using simple materials.
The aim is to inspire a love of experimentation, strengthen scientific skills, and reduce any fear of science. At the same time, motor skills and careful working with laboratory equipment such as pipettes, test tubes, and spatulas are practiced.
