Recommended for grades 7 and 8, and suitable up to grade 13

An energy supply for the future is an important topic ... Credit: Kratzenberg-Annies

Electricity comes out of a wall socket and gasoline from a filling station. That’s normal and obvious for children and young people. But this state of affairs depends on a complex energy infrastructure that is now in a phase of transition. Renewable energies are about to replace environmentally problematic energy carriers like coal, petroleum and nuclear power. At first glance that seems to be unproblematic: in one hour the sun alone radiates down onto the earth as much energy as is consumed by the entire global population in one year. But how can this energy be “captured” and efficiently used? And what happens when the sun doesn’t shine or no wind is blowing? Will the lights go out then? Answers can be found at DLR_School_Lab Berlin.

Experiments:

The "Energy" module consists of the following five experiments. For more information, please click on the experiment:

The day’s programme

… also at DLR_School_Lab Berlin! Credit: DLR/Gossmann

The programme includes an introduction, four experiment periods and a concluding discussion. In the introduction the students are acquainted with the German Aerospace Center, learn interesting facts about the areas of research at DLR Berlin, and are introduced to the topic of energy. At this point and throughout the course of the day questions about other DLR research fields and programmes to encourage the next generation of young research talent can also be discussed. During the lunch break a meal can be purchased in the Humboldt University cafeteria for around €3 to €6. At the end of the module we ask the students for feedback on their visit.

Time schedule:

All times are approximate. By prior arrangement the program can begin later.

Preparation:

It is not necessary to prepare for the visit by covering the topic in the classroom beforehand. The DLR_School_Lab staff will introduce the students to the subjects in a way suitable to their age level. You might just encourage your class to look forward to a fascinating day of experiments in which they will be able to do many things on their own and gain an authentic impression of research at DLR.