Research and Experiment Week 2015

In April, a group of 7th-grade students from Jakob-Brucker-Gymnasium spent a week in Berchtesgaden to experiment, explore, and discover at the TU Munich’s student research center located there.

“On Sunday, April 19, 2015, 30 motivated students, accompanied by teachers Ms. Endres and Mr. Schwarzenbach, traveled to Berchtesgaden to experience the excitement of science at the student research center. We stayed in a youth hostel with a fantastic view of the Watzmann, the famous landmark of Berchtesgaden. From Monday to Thursday, we attended a variety of different courses.

On Monday, the instructors first showed us how to navigate using a compass and a map in the outdoors. In the afternoon, we participated in an orienteering course through the market town of Berchtesgaden using GPS devices. The next day, each participant skillfully built their own rocket and launch pad using cardboard tubes, fretsaw wood, metal strips, and other materials. Sawing, sanding, drilling, and turning the wooden tips was a lot of fun for all of us. Excitement filled the air during the rocket launch that followed. With sunshine and ideal flight conditions, every student successfully launched their rocket up to 200 meters into the sky. After a safe landing, we were able to take the rockets home with us.
On Wednesday, the students experienced “Berchtesgaden through math.” For example, we calculated the height and distance of the Watzmann or the volume of a giant scoop of ice cream. Later, we went underground to visit the Berchtesgaden salt mine, which is still in operation today.
On Thursday, we programmed a LEGO robot at the student research center. We simulated a modern robotic vacuum cleaner that detects objects using a light sensor and avoids them. In the afternoon, we dissected a rainbow trout, carefully examining the fish and its internal organs. Afterwards, we cooked and enjoyed the trout together.
On the final day, we visited the “Haus der Berge” (House of the Mountains), a modern museum focused on nature in the Berchtesgaden National Park, where the various habitats throughout the four seasons are impressively presented. Then it was already time to return home.

But one thing was already certain: This amazing week went by far too quickly! And all of this was funded by the Frank Hirschvogel Foundation, to whom we extend our heartfelt thanks!”