When the chemistry is right

On February 28, 2018, 175 participating students and teachers from all over Eastern Saxony learned about the role of chemistry in a wide variety of subject areas.

The day began with welcoming remarks from the mayor of the city of Zittau, Mr. Zenker; the university’s Chancellor, Ms. Hollstein; and the head of the high schools division at the Saxon State Office for Schools and Education (Bautzen Regional Office), Dr. Volkmann.

The lecture program then kicked off with a session on chemistry that really got under the skin. Prof. Dr. Roth (Free University of Berlin) explored the many different aspects of tattoos, both historical and contemporary. In addition to the history, artistic motifs, and even mishaps, the molecular basis of tattoo inks as well as potential problems were examined.

After a break, participants could choose between presentations on the chemistry of modern dyes—which are ubiquitous, for example, in modern cell phone displays (Prof. Dr. Greif); the fundamentals and applications of electrochemistry, without which the energy transition will not be possible (Prof. Dr. Weber); or the path from amino acids to proteins (Prof. Dr. Fuchs).

After a short coffee break and information on the new science degree programmes at HSZG, as well as a raffle for book prizes, a demonstration lecture served as the crowning and entertaining degree to the successful day. Under the direction of Diplom-Chemiker (FH) Matthias Jeschke, a chemical play was performed in which Egon and his “Olsen Gang” attempted to crack the safe on the Zittau campus. Under the pretext of enrolling in the new Bachelor degree programme in “applied natural sciences,” the gang gained lucrative access to the university. This somewhat unconventional lecture incorporated numerous experiments prepared and conducted by students from the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences. A variety of humorous dialogues, paired with flashes of light, fire, smoke, and colorful displays, were presented to the audience. The university’s Chancellor also made her second appearance of the day.

The event was jointly organized by the HSZG Chemistry Department, the Leipzig Teacher Training Center, and the Bautzen Regional Office of the State Office for Education and Education as part of the school partnership that has been in place for 18 years. The organizers would like to thank all the volunteers and sponsors of the day for their support.