MPI brings science into the classroom

Innovative school project integrates science into everyday school life in a practical way

As part of a new partnership with Phoenix-Gymnasium in Dortmund, MPI researchers have run a practical microscopy workshop for teachers and pupils. Using 20 school microscopes refurbished by the MPI, participants were introduced to the world of microscopy through both theory and practice.

“At the MPI, we investigate how healthy processes in our bodies can go awry and lead to disease. To do this, we use state-of-the-art electron and fluorescence microscopes. Of course, we can’t take these instruments to school, but even simple school microscopes can reveal impressive phenomena– for example, how healthy liver tissue becomes fatty as a result of excessive sugar consumption,” says Johann Jarzombek, coordinator of the school project and press officer at the MPI.

 

Biology teacher Christina Sommerhoff initiated the collaboration with the MPI and worked closely with the MPI team. “Integrating practical relevance into everyday school life is a major challenge. That’s why we’re all the more delighted that the researchers came to our school. This shows the pupils that what we teach here is significant and remains relevant beyond their school years,” says Ms Sommerhoff.

 

As part of the collaboration, some pupils were able to carry out practical work at the MPI and use the data they collected for their school projects. At the same time, teachers received training from the MPI team in molecular biology methods so that pupils will soon be able to amplify and visualise DNA themselves in the school laboratory

“Research at the MPI is largely funded by public money. That is why we see it as our duty to give something back to society and pass on knowledge. We do this not only through our basic research, but above all by inspiring young people to take an interest in science,” says Johann Jarzombek. The new partnership aims not only to spark interest in scientific topics, but also to inspire undecided pupils to consider a potential career in research and technology.