One big bang and back

Around 120 high school students from Siegen, Kreuztal, Freudenberg, Olpe and Bergneustadt were given an exciting insight into the world of physics at the Emmy Noether Campus of the University of Siegen. The Department of Physics hosted the annual study day with lectures, workshops and a spectacular experimental lecture.

The event kicked off with a lecture on the world view of modern physics: from the Big Bang to current research questions. Afterwards, the young people were able to become active themselves in workshops. Working groups from solid state physics, quantum optics and particle physics opened their laboratories and provided insights into their work. The pupils carried out experiments and talked to researchers.

The highlight of the day was the physics show lecture. Prof. Dr. Carsten Busse and his team demonstrated key physical principles with impressive experiments. There was crashing and hissing in the lecture hall: diabolos flew up to the ceiling, a spherical pendulum swung dangerously close to faces and a bicycle chain whirling through the air caused a lot of excitement. The use of liquid nitrogen and a frosted rose also impressed the audience. Despite all the show elements, the focus was always on the scientific explanation, including formulas and theoretical classification.

For years, the study day has been aimed at secondary schools in the region and is intended to arouse interest in the natural sciences and a possible course of study in Siegen. Many schools regularly take up the offer. For many young people, the event offers the opportunity to experience experiments that can hardly be carried out in regular lessons and at the same time get a taste of university life.