The Saturday University is kicking off its third semester. The doubling of participant numbers observed last year (an average of 30 students participated in 2014–15) has continued this year as well: 62 students, mostly from 10th-grade classes at various high schools, attended the opening event on November 7. The event was organized by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.
In his lecture, Prof. Volkmar Weise spoke about similarities between nature and technology. He focused on flying machines and their natural counterparts: birds. The highly engaging lecture included formulas, numerous photos, and hands-on demonstrations.
After a short break with delicious lemonade—which, thankfully, was provided free of charge by the company Menschel-Limo from Hainewalde, just as in previous years—laboratory tours took place. Laboratory engineer Felix Rothe had asked his colleagues for last-minute assistance so that the students could experience the diversity of the faculty in small groups whenever possible.
Those involved were:
Production Engineering Laboratory
Manufacturing Metrology Laboratory
Materials Science Laboratory
Energy Technology Cabinet
Thermodynamics Laboratory
Fluid Mechanics Laboratory
Thermohydraulics Laboratory
Many thanks to all colleagues who helped with the lab tours.In his feedback on the visit to the Energy Technology Cabinet, our colleague Wodarczack writes:
“In good spirits and with keen interest, the (perhaps) 10 future female engineers showed enthusiasm for the former Zittau Teaching and Research Reactor as well as the experiments with the fuel cell from the Renewable Energy Technology department. Only the train schedule prevented them from staying longer; for some, the visit even ended with a musical serenade.”
The next “Students Visit the University” event on Saturday will take place on January 23 in Görlitz . The Department of Computer Science will then host sessions on the following parallel topics: “Making the Right Decisions Is Computer Science” and “Immersive Experience—Interacting with the Environment via Smartphone.” So far, 67 students have registered.
Highlights from the opening event:
Photos: Robert Viertel and Felix Rothe, HS
What exactly is the “Saturday Student University”?
High school students in grades 9 and above are invited to immerse themselves in the exciting world of engineering, natural sciences, and economics on five Saturdays between November 2015 and April 2016. The hosting faculty for each session prepares a specific topic and provides students with interesting insights into both theory and practice (labs). Students may participate in all sessions or select specific topics.
Each session begins at10 a.m. with an introductory session lasting about one hour. After a refreshment break, lab tours and/or experiments will take place until no later than 12:30 p.m.
Students must register in advance at www.hszg.de/schuelerhochschule. Further information on each topic is also available there.
Participating students will receive a certificate of participation from Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences after the events they attended.
Contact:
Robert Viertel
Center for Knowledge and Technology Transfer
Phone: 03583 612-4356
Email: weiterbildung@hszg.de