08.07.2011

Playground for science and technologie

Many biographies of scientists show us that a fascination for science or technology is usually sparked in early childhood. Such interests are developed already at an early stage and especially young children have a natural inquisitiveness and with that, an important trait of every scientist: the capability to ask questions, driven by the desire to understand the world in which we live.

If we want young people to choose technical or scientific professions, we have to go along with them already in kindergarten. With its nation-wide initiative “Haus der kleinen Forscher” (“Little Scientists’ House”), our foundation focuses on exactly that. Nowadays, people in Germany show a great commitment for early child education. Scientific organisations such as the Helmholtz Association and other organisations are very active in this field, as are numerous private enterprises. Just to name one example, our foundation works together with Deutsche Telekom Stiftung (Foundation) or the “Verein Deutscher Ingenieure” (“Association of German Engineers”), who also realise their own projects.

Today, exploring scientific phenomena and technical questions are already part of many kindergartens curricula. But there is more: meanwhile, school-labs, exploratoriums and museums offer a wide range of extracurricular activities for older children. Many parents as well as companies support these facilities with sponsorship. Adlershof companies also give this kind of support.

In the long run, our goal is to change people’s attitudes towards science and technology and I am convinced that our initiative can achieve a lot. If we provide kids with playgrounds for experimenting with science and technology, later on, play might turn into profession and secure Germany’s role as an wayward country for technological and scientific research. Germany will keep its position.

Your
Dr. Peter Rösner
Manager of the foundation“Haus der kleinen Forscher”

Kontakt:
Stiftung Haus der kleinen Forscher
Rungestr. 18
10179 Berlin
Telefon: +49 30 275959-0
Fax: +49 30 275959-209
E-Mail: info(at)haus-der-kleinen-forscher.de