»I think this is very impressive« - Orientation offer Science meets school combines theory and practice

The pupils, mainly from the eleventh grade, had a choice of exciting engineering and science programs as part of the Science Meets School orientation program. Under the auspices of the BTU - College, they gained insights into research work and at the same time into specialist areas and courses of study. Whether mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, Business Administration and Engineering, land use and water management or environmental & resource management (ERM), whether Energy Technology and Economics, physics or electrical engineering - the broad-based program combined theory with practical experience, including laboratory experiments involving the participants.

As passengers in a car, the pupils learned how the anti-lock braking system (ABS) works, became familiar with experimental hydraulics, microscopy techniques and modern wastewater treatment processes. They analyzed soil samples and practically applied the methods of an industrial engineer to party planning. They competed in groups with self-built electric motors. In tabletop experiments, they experienced how electrolysis and fuel cells work.

"I think this is very impressive," said Demian Deubner from the Eisenhüttenstadt Comprehensive School, who, like Oleg Smoli, can well imagine studying electrical engineering. Her classmate Lea Messerschmidt emphasized: "The labs are well organized and modern. Also, the staff and teachers are very nice, courteous and can convey their knowledge well and understandably." Joanna Schulz also found the program very interesting: "Some of what I'm learning here today I can apply practically in class at school tomorrow."

Marlon Nowak from Cottbus' Max-Steenbeck-Gymansium was impressed by what he learned during the ABS function test in the car: "That was a lot of fun. Yesterday I went to "Land use and water management. That was great, we analyzed soil samples there." He was particularly fascinated by the diverse soil life that could be observed under the microscope. Hala Hkoati found it interesting how modern wastewater treatment works - especially how it manages to remove pharmaceuticals and other substances from wastewater.

Max and Willi Dominus from the Niedersorbisches Gymnasium Cottbus were already pleased with the insights into the area of land use and water management/ERM because of their professional ideas. Like many others, Sonja Mertien felt that her expectations of the Science Meets School program were optimally met: Learning more about degree programs. Not just "sitting around", not only lectures, but also practical work.

This was also confirmed by Alexander Bonhage, a doctoral student at the Department of Geopedology and Landscape Development, as one of those who experimented with the students: "They learned about the basic work in the laboratory and were able to do things themselves here."

The next time the BTU opens its doors will be on April 27, 2023, the Future Day for Girls and Boys in the State of Brandenburg, at all three campuses in Cottbus and Senftenberg; on May 6, Mathematics Day will be held at the Cottbus central campus; and for the period from June 27 to 30, the university will again invite students to try out the program at all campuses in Senftenberg and Cottbus.