Push for universal learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects

TECHNOSEUM Mannheim's Mobile MINT Center Inspires Children and Youth Across Germany

The TECHNOSEUM Mannheim, an integral part of Germany's museum landscape, is making technical developments understandable and illustrating their impact on people in an innovative way. One of their key initiatives is the mobile MINT Center, a project supported by the Klaus Tschira Foundation.

The mobile MINT Center is designed to encourage a playful, hands-on approach to learning, leaving room for children's creativity. Julia März, a chemist and educator, leads the project at the TECHNOSEUM Mannheim. The Center visits various schools, youth centers, educational projects, and neighborhoods, bringing materials for each theme and encouraging children to bring their own ideas.

Recent to-go formats have focused on topics like "Light and Shadow", using UV lamps, red and green flashlights, and various materials to engage children in practical learning. For instance, at the Rheinau neighborhood house, children have been exploring the principles of optics and building structures with simple materials every two weeks.

Alev Dreger, the Klaus Tschira Foundation's education program manager, emphasizes that they aim to create spaces where curiosity can grow, independent of origin or educational background. The goal of this three-year funding project is to inspire children and young people for natural sciences and technology who might not otherwise visit the museum.

In addition to these workshops, the mobile MINT Center is also involved in career orientation projects. For example, they are cooperating with DTI e.V. on the "Pick Your Company" project, where youth will discover technology and natural sciences practically. They are also offering the MINT Lab Leader Certificate, funded by the TÜV Süd Foundation, to provide a more structured learning experience.

The project has started with great enthusiasm, and the TECHNOSEUM has expanded contacts with various youth centers and schools. An after-school club will start at the Johannes-Kepler elementary school where third and fourth graders will design their own city and learn programming.

At the "Day of Coexistence" neighborhood festival, 850 visitors came to the "Sentence and Print" interactive station. Rita Menczer, a social worker at the Rheinau neighborhood house, praises the workshops of the mobile MINT Center, saying they are a valuable addition to their educational offerings.

The Klaus Tschira Foundation is a private foundation that promotes natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science, and advocates for dialogue between science and society. Their support of the TECHNOSEUM Mannheim in making a mobile MINT Center available is part of their mission to make natural sciences and technology more accessible to children and young people.

Pia Freund, a volunteer at the TECHNOSEUM, is currently working on the mobile MINT Center project. The mobile MINT Center is a key pillar of the new "innovative education" funding line, aiming to bring hands-on STEM education to all everywhere. The TECHNOSEUM's mobile MINT Center is making a significant impact on the lives of children and young people, inspiring them to explore the wonders of science and technology.

Push for universal learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects