Test Run with Children
By Jürgen Vollmer
On 2 August we had our first run of the WissenSpur mit Kindern.
We visited the Botanical Garden, the Physics and Chemistry buildings, the German National Library, and the Veterinary Anatomy.
Botanical Garden
We were welcomed to our tour by Rolf Engelmann, the transfer coordinator of the Leipzig Botanical Garden.
Under his knowledgeable guidance we learned
- how the leaves of Giant Waterlilies in the Victoria House push aside obstacles and spread over large basins of water,
- explored how water droplets roll over Lotus leaves, and
- admired an army of caterpillars cutting down a banana leave, as well as their larvae, and how they emerge into beautiful owl butterflies.
Physics and Chemistry
Subsequently, we took a break in the lobby of the physics building where we discussed Nobel prices and the disappearance of francophone words in the German language during the past century.
German National Library
Then Konstantin Freybe informed us about the work of the Scientific Service of the German National Library. We particularly enjoyed the collection of music and digital media, and made a note that we will return to experience Goethes Faust as a interactive Virtual Reality Experience.
Veterinary Anatomy
Our final stop was the campus of Veterinary Medicine where the professor for veterinary anatomy, Prof. Dr. Christoph Mülling, did not tire to discuss the exhibits of the Veterinary-Anatomic Teaching Collection, details about preparing exhibits, and current research projects.