From Accident Prevention to “Bouncy Crowds”: The Advanced Chemistry Class Took a Field Trip to TU Darmstadt

At the end of September, the advanced chemistry class of the graduating senior class traveled with their teacher, Dr. Jutta Töhl-Borsdorf, to the Technical University in Darmstadt.

The goal of the field trip was to learn about various topics related to “plastics” and “equilibria.” Getting to know a chemistry lab and conducting educational experiments in a university setting were intended to provide insights into a potential future degree program. After a two-hour train ride, the group headed straight to the university, where they first received an introduction to the topic of “plastics” and the experiment they would be conducting. The experiment involved synthesizing polydimethylsiloxane to produce silicones. The group also received detailed instruction on safety and protective equipment before beginning the experiment to prevent potential accidents in the lab.

The first part of the experiment on the production of silicones—synthetic polymers in which silicon atoms are linked to one another via oxygen atoms—took place on the morning of the day we arrived. We also had lunch in the university cafeteria.

This was followed in the afternoon by the second part of the experiment—cross-linking the oligo- or polydimethylsiloxane with boric acid; the results were “bouncy ball-like,” colorful masses. Afterward, the class headed to a nearby youth hostel. The students spent the evening with their teacher, Dr. Jutta Töhl-Borsdorf, enjoying a cozy get-together over dinner at a nearby pub.

Insightful Impressions

On the second day of the field trip, the university course covered the topic of “chemical equilibria” and conducted experiments to determine an equilibrium constant using spectrophotometry. In the course of this, the class also learned how to use a “Graphical Analysis app” to analyze and evaluate the results obtained; based on these measured values (the slope of the graph and the y-intercept), the equilibrium constants they were seeking could be calculated. In the afternoon, the advanced chemistry class headed back to Marburg, taking with them valuable insights and new experiences, both in terms of academic knowledge and career orientation.

Earlier this year, students in the advanced chemistry class had the opportunity to get a glimpse into what it’s like to study chemistry at Philipps University of Marburg. The topic of this workshop was plastics. The students in the advanced chemistry class learned about the various synthesis methods and how to use the tools of the trade.

Lena Noelle Joußen and Svenja Winter