MinTU participants explore robots, abstract mathematics and surrealism
- MinTU
On our third workshop day, we were able to explore two more science departments. The day began at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Things quickly got practical here: the girls were allowed to solder a radio under supervision and then test its function straight away.
To the sounds of ABBA, which were transmitted and received via the self-built "radio stations", the first participants started programming small Lego robots.
The girls optimized their program sequences, dashing back and forth between the workstations and the large race track. The race track quickly became a highlight, showing how fascinating and simple technology can be.
After lunch together, the mathematicians continued their exciting work. In small groups, the MinTU participants gained their first experience in setting up and solving mathematical problems.
For example, they looked at the "Möbius strip" and its amazing properties. The tape has only one surface, which has only one edge and one side. You cannot distinguish between the bottom and top or between the inside and outside. The girls investigated this phenomenon by trying to divide the loop along the longitudinal center line, for example. The playful approach enabled them to make the often abstract mathematics tangible.
One particular example was even admired in full size in the foyer of the Audimax at the end: The pattern of aperiodic parquetization discovered by Sir Prof. Roger Penrose in 1974. However, the mentees first explored the pattern of certain basic shapes using small models.
The mentees also get to know new things outside the campus
We are not only dedicated to having fun trying out new subject areas, but also meet up privately. Some mentees have already visited a wide variety of exhibitions, such as the Phoenix des Lumières in Dortmund. Here, surrealist works of art by Salvador Dalí could be admired playing across the walls. This visit led to exciting discussions about the physics and mathematics behind it: How do projectors work, and how can creases be avoided when projecting onto angular walls? The experience showed that learning is also possible without "fuming heads over books" and ended with a relaxed immersion in the virtual underwater world of coral reefs.
A particularly sunny day just before the summer vacations was used for a picnic in the park. Each of us had brought something with us: from pizza wheels and Indian puff (dumplings) to gluten-free muffins, there was something for everyone. During games and lively conversations about hobbies, fun facts and, of course, school, the girls realized that there are similar challenges at university as at school, such as tests and exams, but also big differences. A lecture at university is of course very different to a lesson at school. It's useful to have a mentor at your side who can give you a little insight into this completely foreign universe.
In November, the MinTU participants can look forward to another workshop day and several joint excursions. Dortmund and its sights are waiting to be explored, and the Christmas market is sure to have plenty of new things in store.
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