60th anniversary of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Childcare and entertainment in the name of science with Leo children's events
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2013 with a splendid summer party and we were able to give the youngest guests a wonderful day with a colorful experiment and science area. The task for our children's animation team was to create a child-friendly animation program that was in keeping with the foundation. Nothing could be easier. With the experimental kids, we made and tried out bottle tornadoes, solar houses, filter pictures and tin can telephones, among other things.
Experiments for children: the bottle tornado – it's that easy
To make a tornado in a bottle (see illustration), you need two empty plastic bottles with screw caps, superglue, a drill, pliers and water. The tops of the bottles are glued together with the glue, then a hole is drilled through both lids (the help of our Leo carers was of course essential here). Then one of the two bottles is filled about two-thirds full with water and the double lid is screwed on together with the other, still empty bottle. Finally, just turn the two bottles over once, holding the bottom bottle by the neck and making a quick circular movement with the other hand - the bottle tornado is ready.
Child-friendly experiments from Leo children's events inspire young and old
At the end of the eventful day, it wasn't just the children's eyes that were shining - two 70-year-old scientists were also completely enthusiastic about the children's experiments.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for the truly wonderful, friendly and varied care and the exceptional children's program." – Friederike von Cossel, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
The non-profit foundation promotes exchange, dialogue and international collaboration and cooperation in research. To this end, it awards research trips and scholarships for excellent scientists from all disciplines, bringing international researchers together across borders for cooperation projects.
