Chemistry up close: Student college starts with spectacular experiments!

Chemistry up close: Student college starts with spectacular experiments!

On August 8th, 2025, the student college of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg began with a spectacular experimental lecture. Schoolchildren from the region had the opportunity to experience chemical reactions up close and become active themselves. Under the motto “Experience Chemistry”, the program included impressive experiments that were carried out under the guidance of experienced lecturers. Participants wore lab coats and safety glasses, which added to the professional atmosphere of the event.

The experiments offered included measuring the heat of combustion of food using a so-called bomb calorimeter. This device, which is used to determine the calorific value of substances, works under an oxygen atmosphere and high pressure of 20 to 30 bar. The bomb calorimeter consists of a sturdy steel container filled with tempered water. The substance to be examined is placed in a crucible inside a so-called bomb, which is ignited by an electric arc. The subsequent heating of the water allows the calorific value of the substance to be determined, which provides fundamental knowledge of chemical energy values. Various measurement principles are used, including adiabatic and isoperibolic methods, to achieve precise results, such as Chemie-Schule.de explained.

Diverse experiments and sustainable chemistry

In addition to the heat of combustion, experiments were also carried out to determine water hardness and to extract natural substances. Further topics such as the analysis of samples, reverse osmosis and flotation expanded the spectrum of practical chemistry that the participants were able to get to know. The aim of the student college is to offer a realistic insight into the requirements and opportunities of studying in Freiberg.

A special highlight of the event was the barbecue evening, where students had the opportunity to exchange ideas with students, doctoral candidates and professors from TU Freiberg. Professor Gero Frisch, a chemist at the student college, emphasized the importance of such events for young people's future choice of study.

Research and education for sustainable development

At a time when sustainability is becoming increasingly important, projects on sustainable chemistry and the use of renewable raw materials have become particularly relevant. These initiatives aim to promote inquiry-based learning and open experimentation in student laboratories. Among other things, the project offers integration in schools such as FreiEx in Bremen and the NanoBioLab in Saarbrücken. The formats are available as both half-day and full-day events. In addition, accompanying teaching materials are prepared to enrich the lessons.

The offers are distributed via an internet portal and integrated into teacher training, which increases their reach. These projects are part of the UN World Decade for Education for Sustainable Development and reflect the increasing importance of sustainability in the natural sciences. Numerous publications on these topics have appeared in specialist journals and conference proceedings, which further promotes scientific exchange and education Chemistry Didactics University of Bremen determines.