Chemistry is not just what makes things stink and explode! In the TU's hands-on laboratory, children and young people can discover their chemical environment and find out in how many areas of everyday life science plays a role. Chemistry is not difficult, formal or abstract, but can be experienced in the things that surround us: Detergents, dyes, medicines, fragrances, plastics, fertilizers, cosmetics and much more that enriches our lives.

The TU hands-on laboratory was founded jointly by TU Wien and the Austrian Association of Chemistry Teachers in order to offer children and young people the opportunity to carry out independent, experimental work at an early age in collaboration with schools. The aim is to make discovery and exploration possible in a playful way, thereby developing and promoting interest in the natural sciences.

Responsible for the organization are:

Dr. Katharina Ehrmann, opens an external URL in a new window and D.I. Antonella Fantoni, opens an external URL in a new window, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry at TU Wien (contact person for the “Mitmachlabor Profi”)

Mag. Elfriede Gold (contact person for the Kids and Junior hands-on lab)

The “Mitmachlabor”, or hands-on lab at TU Wien organizes hands-on workshops for pupils in grades 4 to 12.

Mitmachlabor Kids - for primary school children in year 4

Former chemistry teachers playfully guide primary school children in groups of two (divided by the teacher) to rediscover the chemistry they know from everyday life. There is a lot to experience: Which color will win the felt-tip pen race? How is salt extracted or which mysterious gas can be poured from one glass into another?

Organization

• The program lasts with a break from 9:00 - 12:00. The program can be extended on request. Only school class registrations by teaching staff are accepted. The program does not allow registration by private individuals. The presence of at least one accompanying person is required.
• Children with long hair must bring suitable tools for tying up their hair. Long pants and closed shoes must be worn in the laboratory. Further protective equipment (coats, goggles, gloves) will be provided at TU Wien and must be used according to the instructions without exception.
• The fee of 4 € per child should be collected before the visit.

go to Mitmachlabor Kids

Mitmachlabor Junior - for pupils in secondary school and the lower grades of AHS (8th grade or 7th grade in secondary school for economics), as well as 1st year chemistry students in BHS

Just as chemistry appears on the timetable for the first time, pupils are introduced to chemistry in an action-oriented way.

Numerous stations stimulate their imagination and encourage them to try things out and experiment. At each station, the young “researchers” are encouraged to think with tricky questions.

• What is staghorn salt?
• Analysis of food colorants
• What can electric current do in salt solutions?

and many more.

Organization

• Duration at least 3 hours, longer if necessary and after consultation. The students work in groups of 2, as previously assigned by the accompanying teacher. If desired, a demonstration with liquid nitrogen can take place at the end. Only school class registrations by teaching staff are accepted. The presence of at least one accompanying person is required. The program does not allow registration by private individuals.
• Children with long hair must bring suitable tools to tie their hair up. Long pants and closed shoes must be worn in the laboratory. Further protective equipment (coats, goggles, gloves) will be provided at TU Wien and must be used according to the instructions without exception.
• The contribution towards expenses is €5/student and should be collected in advance.

go to Mitmachlabor Junior

Mitmachlabor Profi - for pupils in the 11th and 12th grade

You are about to take your A-levels. Your interest in chemistry has already been awakened. Then this “hands-on lab pro” is just right for you. In small groups (max. 20 participants) we carry out chemical experiments and corresponding analysis methods that would not normally be possible at your school.

Organization

• Duration approx. 5 hours (13:00-18:00). Only school class registrations by teaching staff will be accepted. The presence of at least one accompanying person is required. The program does not allow registration by private individuals.
• Young people with long hair must bring suitable tools to tie their hair up. Long pants and closed shoes must be worn in the laboratory. Further protective equipment (coats, goggles, gloves) will be provided at TU Wien and must be used according to the instructions without exception.
• The contribution towards expenses of €15 per participant should be collected before the visit.

go to Mitmachlabor Profi