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Microbiology up close: Children discover the world of microbes!
Max Planck Children's University in Marburg: Students discover microbiology, collect samples in the botanical garden - an interactive experience.
Microbiology up close: Children discover the world of microbes!
On August 28, 2025, the Max Planck Children's University took place at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in collaboration with the Botanical Garden of the Philipps University of Marburg. Around 240 students from the Otto Ubbelohde School, Elisabethschule Marburg and Stiftschule Amöneburg took part in this interactive format.
The event was aimed at students in grades 5 and 6 and was held in two rounds, each with around 120 participants. Prof. Dr. Helge Bode, executive director of the institute, gave a lecture on the size, occurrence and discovery of microbes, which piqued the interest of the young participants.
Interactive elements and experiments
After the lecture, the children had the opportunity to express their opinion by voting with colorful cards. A highlight of the event was an excursion to the outdoor areas of the Botanical Garden, where the students collected leaf samples. These samples were carefully bagged and labeled with the corresponding plant names.
Dr. Christian Deurer, head of the photosynthesis laboratory, emphasized the children's great interest in “Citizen Science”. The students' enthusiasm was palpable as they took part in the collection campaign and were able to learn more about microbiology.
Bacterial cultures and their importance
MPI employees supported the participants in “scraping” the collected leaf samples onto agar plates. In the future, these samples will be used to grow bacterial cultures, which form the basis for important developments in modern medicine.
Research at the MPI focuses on bacteria and their active ingredients, which are used in many medications. Prof. Bode emphasized the crucial role that microbes play in science and scientific education of the young generation.
Each child received a photo of their experiment documenting the bacteria that had grown. This should not only promote understanding of scientific topics but also create lasting memories.
Future events
The Max Planck Children's University is open to all schools in the district. Registration takes place class by class via the MPI press office. Anyone interested can visit the website from January 2026 MPI homepage keep an eye out for the next appointment.
In summary, the Max Planck Children's University shows how effective educational formats in the field of natural sciences can inspire young people. These events lay the foundation for a deeper interest in research and science in the next generation.