For the 15th time, the chemistry department invited students in year 11 who are interested in science to the annual specialist camp. On June 7 and 8, 2016, 13 students from the grammar schools in Bautzen, Hoyerswerda, Löbau, Weißwasser and Wilthen responded to this invitation. In addition, an interested student from the Staatliches Gymnasium Arnstadt (Thuringia) was welcomed for the first time.
After the opening by Prof. Klaus Seibt, the participants followed a lecture on the topic "Solubility of gypsum". They were then able to put the theoretical knowledge they had acquired into practice in a laboratory experiment and evaluate and discuss the results of the experiment with the experts. In the evening, the students enjoyed a pleasant meal in the "Cavallino" restaurant, followed by Jochen Kaminsky's entertaining night watchman tour of Zittau town center. The students spent the night in modern dormitory rooms, which were kindly provided by the Studentenwerk Dresden.
The second day started with a hearty breakfast in the canteen. Afterwards, the students were given a brief insight into the theory and practice of synthesizing and using organic dyes in the halls of organic chemistry. Indigo was synthesized, chlorophyll was isolated from dandelions and separated using thin-layer chromatography. The students were also able to immerse themselves in the world of perfume and make their own "chemist's ice cream".
At the end of the event, all participants received certificates and a small souvenir gift. Once again this year, the pupils showed great interest and enjoyed the scientific work and chemical experiments.
In addition to the Saxon Education Agency, the event was supported by the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), the German Chemical Society (GDCh) and the Cornelsen publishing house. Many thanks go to all participating students, the participating members of the chemistry department and to Mr Liebner from Geschwister-Scholl-Gymnasium Löbau, who, as every year, organized the event.
Contact:
Dipl.-Chem. (FH) Matthias Jeschke