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Developing the next generation Girls'Day 2023: 47 Girls get a taste of what STEM is all about for a day at Faculty 4

The Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science departments of the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences opened their doors to 47 interested schoolgirls in grades 8-10 on Girls' Future Day 2023 on April 27th. The girls were able to explore careers outside the traditional female job profile by choosing from three offers from the faculty.

In addition to laboratory tours, there were also short lectures that showed the schoolgirls how learning at university works. The 47 girls were able to choose one of three options. They could either attend working groups in mathematics and computer science, physics or chemistry.

In mathematics and computer science, the bright girls were able to discover topics and experiments relating to mathematical optimization and artificial intelligence. For example, how do you find the shortest route for a round trip, how do the recommendation algorithms at Netflix work and how does an artificial intelligence perceive its environment? They were able to put the artificial intelligence's perception of its surroundings to the test in the driving simulator, as well as pushing a live pose recognition system to its limits with all kinds of tricks and ingenuity in front of the camera.

In physics, the schoolgirls were able to get to know the various working groups in the research labs. In astroparticle physics, for example, the girls were able to visit a "remote control room" in astroparticle physics and control the data collection at the Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina from Wuppertal. In experimental solid-state physics, three measuring devices could be observed in action, including a demonstration of how measurements are carried out with an electron microscope. The girls were also shown the diverse and exciting professional fields that can be explored as a physicist.

In the chemistry group, it was all about energy, how it was created and how it could be transformed. The girls learned that chemistry can be found in many everyday situations - from the development of new materials to the production and preparation of our food and the preservation of our environment. The girls also learned that not only is chemistry very diverse, but that the path to a career in chemistry can also be very different. In addition to gaining theoretical knowledge, the girls were also able to conduct their own experiments in small, exciting laboratory experiments. They were able to build biological fuel cells and alternative solar cells, observe the color change of smart plastic films through different light and demonstrate the material cycle of photosynthesis and cell respiration in a model experiment. The girls were also able to experience the production of hydrogen in a demonstration experiment. A tour of the laboratory with small and large apparatus also generated a lot of enthusiasm.

The weather also played along on Girls' Day! The girls were able to get to know university life better during a guided tour of the campus, organised by the students of the three departmental student councils. Lunch in the university dining hall - especially the " Mensa Kult" poultry currywurst - was another highlight according to the students.

It was a successful day with many impressions that the girls will certainly talk about for a long time to come and that may influence their choice of career.

The next Girls'Day will take place on Thursday the 25th April 2024.

The School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences will gladly participate again and open its doors!

Picture credits: BS= Britta Schulze, IK = Isabella Kappner, KP = Kathrin Plitzko, MN = Minori Nohara, MR= Matthias Rottmann