Mentees take an online journey into space
- MinTU
The physics workshop as part of the MinTU mentoring program took place on campus on 14 July - almost. While experiments were being conducted and explained in the DLR_School_Lab, almost 40 schoolgirls from the mentoring program "MinTU - Mädchen in die TU Dortmund" (MinTU - Girls at TU Dortmund University) were amazed and took part live via Zoom.
In the workshop "The vastness of space", the team led by Dr. Sylvia Rückheim, head of the school laboratory, brought physics into the girls' rooms at home. Beforehand, the girls were given information, instructions and craft materials so that they could take part in the experiments shown in the workshop. The mentees experienced the launch into space with self-made effervescent rockets. The mentees discussed the various conditions that prevail in space in breakout sessions with their mentors. Weightlessness was also simulated at their desks at home using a jam jar, straw and plasticine. The girls all agreed that the workshop was a lot of fun, but not as much fun as a real meeting!
-
Project coordinator Jill Timmreck welcomed all participants via Zoom from the office. -
The pupils were able to build their own rocket at home using the craft kit sent to them beforehand. -
In the DLR_School_Lab, physics student Aleksandra tinkered. Every step was filmed with a special camera and transmitted live to the mentees at home. -
Intern Ronja looked on and made sure that the Zoom feed ran reasonably smoothly. -
Dr. Sylvia Rückheim, the head of the DLR_School_Lab, accompanied the mentees on their journey into space - and tested their knowledge of the physical properties of space along the way. -
Jill Timmreck was able to be there live in the DLR_School_Lab, wearing a mask and keeping her distance. -
We went outside for the rocket launch. -
It hasn't quite made it into space yet, but the home-made shower rocket has lifted a good 50 centimeters off the ground. -
Which leaf falls to the ground faster? The crumpled one or the smooth one? -
As a final experiment... -
...Aleksandra built with the students... -
...its own vacuum pump. -
In the meantime, student Felicia supervised the Zoom chat, where the students could ask questions at any time. -
Ronja was also pleased with the result. -
What is it called again? Every Saturday my father explains... -
Finally, doctoral student Leanna reported on the everyday life of a physicist - working from home.
The mentoring program MinTU - Mädchen in die TU Dortmund (Girls into TU Dortmund University) offers around 50 schoolgirls between the ages of 12 and 14 the opportunity to get to know STEM faculties at TU Dortmund University as part of a mentoring program. The girls are supervised for a year by a mentor who is herself a student on a STEM course at TU Dortmund University and provides an insight into her subject and everyday life as a student in a personal exchange.