Programs for school students and schools

The Physics Departments maintain a collection of approximately 800 educational and entertaining experiments. We are happy to demonstrate these during school field trips to the university. Outside of regular lecture hours, we can also demonstrate and explain these experiments during physics classes when visiting schools. Furthermore, we offer scientific and technical support for replicating demonstration experiments, e.g., for physics clubs.

Through informational events tailored to different age groups (middle school, high school), the Department of Physics aims to help spark students’ interest in the natural sciences. In addition to lectures and/or demonstrations, these events will also provide information about studying physics and the career path of a physicist.

Furthermore, laboratory tours offer the opportunity to learn about experiments related to current research projects. This includes, in particular, the tandem accelerator at the Institute of Nuclear Physics.

Established in 2009, JuniorUni aims to provide middle school students (grades 7–10) and, more recently, high school students (Q1–Q2) with a platform to explore their interests and curiosity in the context of science. It thus targets a slightly older audience than “KinderUni” (ages 8–12). Here, too, the Department of Physics regularly contributes with interesting presentations.

Since 2003, the University of Cologne has held an annual “Children’s University.” The program is designed to give children in grades 3 through 6 an insight into the questions and problems that researchers explore. The Department of Physics also participates regularly with engaging presentations.

As part of the General Physics Colloquium, lectures on current topics in physics are held regularly. Teachers are especially welcome to attend.

The introductory internship offers 10th-grade female students a one-day event to learn more about physics, explore the possibility of pursuing a degree in the natural sciences, and break down preconceptions about a field that has traditionally been viewed as a “male-dominated” discipline. This is achieved through discussions with female physics students, as well as through hands-on experiences and active participation in scientific experiments. The program aims to encourage students to believe in themselves, explore new territory, and perhaps even surpass their own expectations. The focus is not on individual performance, but on teamwork. More information can be found here.

Contact for the introductory internship for female students: schnupperpraktikum@ph2.uni-koeln.de

In collaboration with the Gender Equality Officer, the Department of Physics organizes a Trial Sessions Program for female high school students. Since winter semester 2004/05, this event has been specifically aimed at female students in grades 8 and 9 (previously grade 12). Over the course of two days, students have the opportunity to learn in depth about the field of physics and gain practical experience in the lab and lecture hall. Numerous hands-on experiments invite them to participate. All participants receive intensive support from student tutors.

Since winter term 2000/2001, gifted students in grades 11 through 13 (and, in special cases, grades 8 through 10) have been able to attend lectures and seminars in physics (and other subjects/departments) and earn full academic credit for their participation. The project has proven so successful that it has also been introduced at most other universities in North Rhine-Westphalia. Further information can be found here.

Students who are particularly interested have the opportunity to conduct small-scale research projects under supervision or to contribute to ongoing programs. The aim is to provide them with an early insight into the day-to-day work of researchers.

The department offers students from nearby schools support in writing research papers. This support ranges from helping them choose a topic and providing guidance to facilitating access to the facilities (e.g., the library) of the physics departments. As part of internships, students can shadow an ongoing research project and, if appropriate, participate in the experiments.