Research adventure for future STEM professionals

With its summer camp, Empa wants to arouse children's interest in the so-called STEM topics such as computer and natural sciences, technology and mathematics. While their parents worked in their labs and offices at Empa, 24 children of primary school age spent a week trying their hand at being up-and-coming engineers and materials scientists.

They had fun building a car with an environmentally friendly balloon drive, making a rocket engine and learning how to handle nitrogen safely. They were amazed by the fact that an electron microscope makes the smallest things appear very large, giving them a glimpse into the micro-universe. When building an insect hotel, the children “enjoyed thinking about where which part can be ‘measured’ so that it creates a coherent picture afterwards”, explains Peter Ebschner, leader of the Upcycling workshop. And they learned that discarded and used items do not necessarily have to be waste.

The experiments were an exciting and educational part of the summer camp, but often required a lot of concentration and a certain amount of discipline. As a counter-balance, the afternoons were filled with physical activities including a scavenger hunt, during which the extensive new campus could be explored.