On April 3, the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion (MPI CEC) welcomed the girls for the annual Girls'Day, a nationwide initiative that aims to introduce girls to STEM professions and to combat stereotypes.
A total of 26 schoolgirls between the ages of 12 to 18 from the region took part in this inspiring offer from the MPI CEC. With the aim of providing career guidance, the girls were offered exciting insights into the world of science and technology.
First, the girls were given the lecture “Where does it all come from? Chemicals for everyday life” that gave them an introduction into the topic of chemistry in relation to their daily surroundings. This illustrated how chemistry has practical applications and can be combined with the girls' individual interests.
After the lecture, the participants were divided into five different workshops, which offered them practical experience in different areas all around science:
Workshop 1: "Cold, colder, coldest - low temperatures in the laboratory" led by laboratory technician Bernd Mienert, in which the girls carried out experiments on extremely low temperatures and explored absolute zero.
Workshop 2: "EscapeLab" with lab assistants Annika Gurowski and Alina Jakubowski, in which the participants explored the world of chemical and physical measurement methods through puzzles and practical tasks.
Workshop 3: "From Mini to Mega: Girls shape the future in engineering!" led by doctoral students Frederike Heinen and Rucha Medhekar, offered insights into engineering through the construction and operation of a small experimental plant.
Workshop 4: "The Fascination of Glass", led by glassblower Andrea Tekautschitz, in which the girls learned the art of glassblowing and created their own glass objects.
Workshop 5: "Electron microscopy - the world of the very smallest", led by Dr. Daniela Ramermann and lab technician Alin Benice Schöne, imparted knowledge about electron microscopes and the examination of samples such as insects and pollen.
Each workshop was led by staff from the institute and allowed participants to learn about different aspects of working in science and its supporting areas. From researching absolute zero, building a small experimental facility, designing glass objects, exploring electron microscopy to exploring chemical and physical measurement methods, everything was included.
At the end of the day, one thing was clear: the Girls' Day at the institute was a complete success. The girls' interest was visibly awakened and their enthusiasm proved that working with the scientists had left a positive impression. Once again, it was confirmed how important and essential such events are to pave the way for young women to pursue a future in STEM professions.
The institute is already planning to repeat this important career guidance day next year.