To get young people excited about the natural sciences through first-hand experiences with nature, to awaken in them a spirit of discovery and encourage their understanding of sustainable development - this is the approach of the »Open-Air Laboratory and Experimental Grounds« (FLEX) of the University of Siegen.

Here, by means of natural phenomena, basic principles of natural science, and especially chemistry, can be investigated through experimentation. Sustainability issues take a central role in this process. As an extracurricular learning facility, FLEX is used in the university training of future teachers, and simultaneously serves as a student laboratory.

Located directly adjacent to a wooded area, FLEX encompasses a large meadow with two springs, a small creek, and a pond. A shed, remodeled as an experimental space, is supplied with energy by its own wind turbine and solar module. It offers extensive working materials, from simple excavation devices to soil analysis kits, mobile photometers, and distilleries for the extraction of fragrances.

The environmental education offerings at FLEX are based on a chemistry-oriented approach to substances, material conversions and energy. Renewable raw materials, for example, are dealt with in different school levels using the examples of flax, plant pigments or starch. Children and adolescents are introduced to crop cultivation from sowing to harvest, also working with plants directly and producing the previously mentioned substances.

Project operation
Universität Siegen
Didaktik der Chemie
Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2
57076 Siegen
Telefon: 0271|740-4371
Telefax: 0271|740-4378
groeger@chemie.uni-siegen.de
www.science-forum.de/flex

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