© DESY, Lars Berg Children and young people gain new perspectives on scientific questions by experimenting in laboratories set up especially for them in an authentic environment. For a few hours, they become scientists themselves and immerse themselves in the world of research on campus. The charm of "difficult subjects" unfolds in a special way at extracurricular learning locations: Practical experimentation in unusual places - that's what makes working in the school lab so enjoyable for everyone involved.
At Science City in the west of Hamburg, teachers will find experiments for different learning levels. DESY The European XFEL and the University of Hamburg offer a variety of courses with a supporting program that promise an unforgettable day for participants of all ages.
DESY Understanding physics" school laboratory
School classes have been visiting the physik.begreifen laboratories since 1997. Since then, over 120,000 schoolchildren have been inspired by science through independent experimentation in the DESY school laboratory. The children and young people are now also guided by supervisors who themselves experienced a motivating day at the research center during their school days.
The physik.begreifen team of research assistants and teachers, who are involved via the Ministry of Schools and Vocational Training (BSB), is further developing existing work experience days and creating new offers to bring pupils closer to the fascinating world of science.
In addition to the offers for school classes, particularly interested pupils have the opportunity to take part in our vacation offers or to discover research in a variety of ways after school as part of the ELB Academy at DESY .
Click here for the DESY school lab
© DESY, Gesine Born 
© DESY, Marta Mayer Light & Schools
With "Light & Schools", the University of Hamburg has a school laboratory that has developed into a jewel since 2009. Housed in an architecturally striking building since 2020, pupils can gain insights into modern physics, such as quantum technologies, here. The research projects run over several weeks and can be flexibly integrated into the school day. A variety of supporting programs and lectures provide first-hand information about the University of Hamburg and research on the Bahrenfeld campus. This is not about a quick "aha", but about the often first "own" research, for a long time now in permanent cooperation with the schools of the Hamburg metropolitan region.
© UHH, Röttger 
© UHH, Laso, Klaus Sengstock Xcool Lab
The Xcool Lab of European XFEL is a free offer for interested - initially - upper school courses of all school types.
Students can carry out experiments on various topics independently in a physics and a molecular biology laboratory. These allow them to deepen the content of the curricula and at the same time convey some of the basics of research at the international X-ray laser in an exciting way.
With the Xcool Lab, European XFEL aims to help inspire young people for STEM subjects, improve their understanding of scientific work and results and provide insights into cutting-edge international research.
© EuXFEL 
© EuXFEL 
