Universe Cluster Goes to School

The Excellence Cluster Universe supports an education initiative by the Technische Universität München (TUM). On November 16, 2007 the university inaugurates the first high school cluster with the program “Tag des Universums” (day of the Universe) in Berchtesgaden. The school cluster links together five schools in the South East of Bavaria which will embark a close education partnership with TUM. More than 400 students and visitors are expected to join the afternoon program with talks, workshops and scientific experiments. Dr. Johanna Erdmenger and Dr. Andreas Müller of the Excellence Cluster Universe will talk about the fascinating science in cosmology - stretching from the Big bang to the formation of the first 

atoms up to the birth of stars and galaxies. Also, students will learn how to become an astronomer in another informative talk. Stephan Paul, Coordinator of the Universe Cluster, will deliver a speech in the official inauguration ceremony later the same day. In addition the Cluster presents a live demonstration of cosmic rays with a spark chamber and exhibits its “Time Travel to the Big Bang”.

The Technische Universität partners with more than 150 Bavarian high-schools to provide science teachers with training opportunities. The program is part of a restructuring process in teacher education aiming to intertwine theoretical and practical contents in school curricula.

Click here for more information on the "Tag des Universums".

by B. Wankerl