Touching science: Med Uni Graz inspires students in GIBS!

Touching science: Med Uni Graz inspires students in GIBS!

What is in the exciting world of science? Last Thursday, numerous pupils from the Bundesgymnasium Georgigasse (GIBS) asked themselves this question at an exciting workshop of the Med Uni Graz. Science ambassadors from the teams of Susanne Sattler and Florian Reichmann clearly brought the basics of research closer to the young people in biology lessons. An initiative that clearly shows how important it is to inspire students for MINT subjects (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, technology). med Uni Graz reports that this interactive lessons gave the pupils to research themselves and apply what they have learned directly.

This is the goal of such events: the students should set the course for the future and, above all, learn how scientific process works - from observation to the formation of hypothesis to experiments and the publication of results. A vivid example from her everyday life, a sand box tower that coincides with playing, gave the children in a playful way how scientific questions arise.

Interest in research arouse

Another highlight of the workshop was the presentation of the researchers who shared their hobbies such as riding, cycling and gaming with the students. This caused a relaxed atmosphere and promoted the exchange. The enthusiasm was clearly noticeable, and the student body showed a lot of interest in the exciting topics, said Science in the dialogue .

Because interest in research is not only awakened by such workshops, but also by programs such as "I'm a Scientist". Here, students can ask questions to scientists directly. In a recent round of particle physics, 25 scientists presented their research work and answered questions from the students. Dominik Koll, one participant, emphasized how important contact with the population is to promote fascination and understanding for scientific topics.

MINT formation as a key to the future

MINT skills are the be-all and end-all to meet the challenges of our time such as climate change and the energy transition. Therefore, it is crucial to bring the students closer to the enthusiasm for these subjects. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany is already investing 10 million euros in research projects that aim to improve the MINT formation and to develop practical approaches, such as

In their workshops, the students experimented with cell culture slabs and observed zebrafish embryos under microscopes. They pipetted with enthusiasm and recorded their results. The researchers placed great emphasis on science communication in order to convey complex content in an understandable way and to arouse the curiosity of the children. Such initiatives can help promote sustainable MINT interests among young generations and to offer them a good foundation for their future.