Pupils explore research
To ensure a forward-looking approach to school education, the University of Cologne engages with the next generation of researchers from an early age. Through its wide range of programmes, the university encourages pupils to explore research, to follow their curiosity, and to dive more deeply into their own interests.
Objectives
- Strengthening the connection between university, schools and society
- Age-appropriate communication and testing of scientific methods
- Subject-specific support for pupils
- Support with degree programme and career choices
- Support teachers in sparking young people’s curiosity and nurturing their sense of discovery
- Encouraging students’ acquisition of specialist knowledge and skills, combined with didactic testing
- Providing inspiration for students, pupils, and teachers through cooperation with the Clusters of Excellence funded by the federal and state governments
KölnerKinderUniversität
The ‘KölnerKinderUniversität’ offers children in Years 3 to 6, regardless of their school type, the chance to experience university life.
Science and research are explained age-appropriately, with practical examples from everyday life. Topics and activities are suggested by all six of the university’s Faculties.
Supported by:
- Evonik Foundation
Partners (among others):
- ML4Q Matter and Light for Quantum Computing, Cluster of Excellence
- CEDAD Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, Cluster of Excellence
- University Hospital Cologne
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing
- Cologne Science Round Table
Promoting gifted pupils and university studies for pupils
The University of Cologne offers a university studies programme for particularly gifted pupils in Years 10 to 13.
These pupils can participate in regular university courses alongside their schoolwork and earn credits that will be recognized in their future studies.
Participants gain early insights into university teaching and research, which helps them make an informed choice about their future degree programme after they complete their Abitur (university entrance qualification).
Supported by:
- Hochbegabten Stiftung Kreissparkasse Köln (Gifted Students Foundation sponsored by the Cologne District Savings Bank)
Involved parties:
STEM Advocates
The Erasmus+ project STEM Advocates programme strengthens interest in STEM professions and facilitates access to STEM careers.
The European project intensifies cooperation between universities and schools and develops Open Educational Resources (OER) for STEM teaching, for example. Schools, teachers and students gain insights into university research, scientific work and writing through workshops.
Supported by:
- Erasmus+
Partner:
- University of Vienna
- Université Catholique de L’Ouest, University of Anger
- Dr. Hans Riegel Foundation (associated)
MiLeNa
MiLeNa is a programme designed to promote STEM teachers in the early stages of their careers.
It is designed for upper secondary school pupils interested in becoming STEM teachers and looking to gain insight into the profession. These pupils take part in a supporting programme at partner universities and are given practical teaching experience at participating schools.
Promotion (selection):
- Dr. Hans Riegel Foundation
- FCI Chemical Industry Fund
- Federal Employment Agency
- zdi Zukunft durch Innovation North Rhine-Westphalia
Partner:
- The State of North Rhine-Westphalia
- The State of Hesse
- The State of Schleswig-Holstein
Teaching & learning labs
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Cologne offers pupils of various ages the opportunity to explore scientific phenomena in a practical way through its teaching and learning laboratories.
They are accompanied by student teachers who develop their subject-specific didactic and pedagogical skills in the process.
CEPLAS School Project 'Research and Education'
- Part of the CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences
- Focus on plant biology with internships for advanced biology pupils
- Work experience placements for student teachers
zdi lab for pupils
- Interdisciplinary focus on current topics from the STEM subjects
- Opportunity for work experience placements & final theses for student teachers
ELKE: Experimentieren - Lernen - Kompetenzen Erwerben
- Focus on chemistry
- An opportunity for students to try teaching
Other extracurricular learning locations:
- Ecological Rhine Station
- The MINT learning room (maths/computer science)
- The Modular Model Garden (MoMo)
- The Pulheim stream