Research and Experiment Week 2019

Cautiously, the young student moves her tool closer to the rapidly spinning piece of wood. Her face shows intense concentration. One final cut – and a precisely crafted wooden tip separates from its counterpart and drops into her hand. With eyes shining, she switches off the lathe and moves on to the next table, where a soldering station is ready. Scenes like this could be witnessed multiple times during the week of March 25–29 at the Student Research Center Berchtesgadener Land. As part of the research week of the Welfen-Gymnasium, a group of 20 students from the science and technology branch spent time in Berchtesgaden and participated in several courses. In these courses, the eighth-grade students—who had qualified for the trip through an application process—were able to explore topics beyond the regular curriculum in STEM areas such as microscopy, digital production, and rocket building, always with a hands-on approach. Just like in the rocket building course, where, as described above, rocket tips were turned on a lathe, the instructors of all courses succeeded in inspiring the students and encouraging them to work independently and responsibly. In addition to the research center, the program also included highlights such as a visit to the Berchtesgaden salt mine and its salt laboratory, as well as a hike through the Berchtesgaden National Park with observation of the local flora and fauna. The eventful days were rounded off with evening team building activities. All in all, the week offered the students an experience they will likely remember for a long time. Or as they themselves put it: “School – but completely different!”