It is a completely different type of learning: At the Science Camp of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), pupils will be given an insight into energy research from September 7 to 11, 2009. Young people aged between 14 and 16 are invited to participate. The camp will be organized by KIT’s House of Competence (HoC) in cooperation with the Schülerakademie Karlsruhe e. V. (Karlsruhe Pupils Academy).
At the Science Camp, the young participants will be given the opportunity to execute small projects with experiments and research work in groups, to look scientists over the shoulder, and to slip into the role of a researcher. During excursions, the young people may additionally familiarize with the professional practice of natural scientists and engineers.
It is the objective of the KIT Science Camp to specifically and early arouse the pupils’ interest in natural sciences and engineering studies. Secondary schools offering the new subject of “Science and Engineering” shall be supported in this way. “The modules offered at the Science Camp are supposed to complement and continue school lessons rather than to replace them”, explains Daniel Weichsel from the management of the Karlsruhe Remote Studies Center (FSZ) that organizes the project. The Science Camp will focus on research-oriented and self-controlled learning, with various didactic approaches being balanced: “A specialized input will be given by presentations, excursions, and other things. On the other hand, pupils will be given open tasks and, hence, freedom in the design of their projects – they will acquire knowledge by themselves.”
The registration fee for the Science Camp is 100 Euros (accommodation and subsistence). It is required to apply online until June 30, 2009.
The HoC is the central institution for competence development and advanced training at the KIT. One of the institutions under the roof of the HoC is the FSZ that coordinates virtual learning at KIT. It focuses on the preparation of studies and the training of teachers for the subject of science and engineering. Due to its cooperation with the Schülerakademie, the Science Camp is closely linked with the city of Karlsruhe. EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg offers various excursions.
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is the merger of the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, member of the Helmholtz Association, and the Universität Karlsruhe. This merger will give rise to an institution of internationally excellent research and teaching in natural and engineering sciences. In total, the KIT has 8000 employees and an annual budget of 700 million Euros. The KIT focuses on the knowledge triangle of research – teaching – innovation.
The Karlsruhe institution is a leading European energy research center and plays a visible role in nanosciences worldwide. KIT sets new standards in teaching and promotion of young scientists and attracts top scientists from all over the world. Moreover, KIT is a leading innovation partner of industry.