Hands-on Science

At the end of October, schoolgirls aged 10 to 19 had the chance to become budding scientists in STEM disciplines through workshops hosted by various departments at the University of Bayreuth. On the 28th and 29th of October 2024, as part of the Upper Franconian initiative "MUT-Girls and Technology," we once again held our popular autumn holiday events for girls: “Ready, Set, Technology!” (ages 10 to 14) and the “Autumn STEM Uni” (ages 15 to 19). This year, we welcomed 51 participants from across Upper Franconia to the University of Bayreuth campus.

In 13 exciting hands-on workshops, participants actively explored current, intriguing questions in university STEM subjects. They experimented, filtered, pipetted, measured, soldered, programmed, calculated, cast, used microscopes, applied coatings, and much more. Older participants were also able to take part in workshops from the Central Student Advisory Service, where they worked on strategies for their own career or study choices.

Feedback from participants and workshop teams shows that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience, gaining valuable insights and having fun along the way. We extend a heartfelt thanks to all workshop teams for their fantastic dedication, and to our participants for their enthusiasm and many interesting questions.

“Blue Earth Bot – Let’s Clean Up the Oceans!”

The oceans contain over 100 million tonnes of plastic (including fishing nets, plastic bags, and more). Without needing prior experience, participants developed programmes for autonomous robots to clean our oceans and tested them in an interactive ocean simulation. (Department of Applied Computer Science III)

“Physics of Solar Cells and LEDs”

Renewable energy and the responsible use of resources and energy are central topics in today’s society. Participants discovered how it is possible to convert sunlight into electricity and, conversely, how electricity can be used to produce light efficiently. (Department of Experimental Physics II)

“How Does Slurry Become a Cup?”

In the lab, participants made their own breakfast mugs from slurry using moulds, viewed different kilns, and learned how ceramics can be analysed with a scanning electron microscope. There was also more fascinating information from the world of ceramics. (Department of Ceramic Materials)

“Your Own Pocket Warmer”

Cold hands in winter? How can we store heat, and how can we reactivate it when needed? Participants explored these questions, investigated how a pocket warmer works, and created their own. At the end, they made “heat” visible with a special camera. The experiments were held in the Pupil Research Centre of the Faculty of Engineering. (TAO-SFZ; Department of Technical Thermodynamics and Transport Processes)

“Porous Materials – Trapping Molecules”

Which materials can help remove greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide from power plant emissions, separate oil from water, and desalinate seawater? Participants conducted experiments with various porous, “sponge-like” materials, learning about their properties and how they might contribute to a better future. (Department of Inorganic Chemistry III)

“Programming Microcontrollers with Micro:bit – for Beginners”

Our smartphones know our location, and smartwatches remind us to move if we sit too long. In these smart devices, microcontrollers analyse data from a variety of sensors. Using the BBC micro:bit, which is equipped with many sensors, participants conducted exciting experiments, step-by-step learning microcontroller programming. (Digital Teaching & Learning and Computer Science Didactics)

“Program Your Own Video Game!”

In this workshop, participants learned how to programme their first small video game with Scratch, step by step. No prior knowledge was necessary – just curiosity and creativity! (Game Innovation Lab)

“Why Is Glass Transparent? And How Do We Add Colour to Glass?”

From window panes to drink bottles and phone screens, glass is a versatile and transformable material we use everywhere. Here, participants learned why glass is transparent while metals are not, and how glass is melted at very high temperatures. They also created their own coloured glass pane. (Glass Key Lab)

“On the Trail of Randomness!”

Under guidance, participants soldered their own electronic random generator and then tested how luck influenced them in an experiment. (Department of Mechatronics)

“Game Theory: Rely on Luck in Games?”

Or rely on maths! Participants discovered what makes a good game strategy, how to find it, and whether it works when you don’t know what your opponents plan to do. (Department of Applied Mathematics)

“Expedition Study Choice: Finding Your Path Through the Jungle of Options”

Participants embarked on an exciting journey to their ideal study programme, developing strategies together to navigate the dense jungle of study options. Useful tools for choosing their own study path were also provided. (Central Student Advisory Service)