Quantum Physics and Worlds of Sound: Advanced Physics Class on a Field Trip to DESY and the Elbphilharmonie

At the end of Q3, from Thursday morning through Saturday evening, the 13th-grade advanced physics class, accompanied by their teacher Dr. Jutta Töhl-Borsdorf, embarked on a varied field trip to Hamburg to explore the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY). The trip was packed with other exciting activities and experiences.
Even the journey there turned out to be an adventure, as the planned departure was delayed by a full two hours due to a rail strike. Despite this challenge, the group finally arrived at the youth hostel at the Landungsbrücken around noon. The accommodation not only offered a very pleasant stay in a central location but also an impressive view of the Elbe River and the harbor.

The first item on the agenda took place in the afternoon—a visit to the Hamburg Student Research Center. There, all those interested gained insight into the work of the facility, which has already accumulated far more experience than the Central Hesse Student Research Center (SFM), which recently opened in Marburg.
A cultural highlight was on the agenda for the evening: a classical concert in the main hall of the Elbphilharmonie, a building that is impressive both architecturally and acoustically. The Bamberg Symphony Orchestra performed, among other works, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 and “A Hero’s Life” by Richard Strauss.

The second day began with a visit to the quantum laboratory at DESY, a leading research center for particle physics. Here, the students had the opportunity to conduct in-depth experiments on quantum physics themselves, which will certainly be helpful in preparing for their upcoming physics Abitur exams.
It was also exciting to record an X-ray spectrum ourselves—something you just can’t do at school.
The subsequent guided tour of the sprawling research institute offered everyone a fascinating glimpse into the world of subatomic particles.
In the evening, the group continued its cultural journey, this time to Miniatur Wunderland, one of Hamburg’s most popular tourist attractions. The meticulously detailed miniature worlds delighted the students and provided a wonderful conclusion to the day.

On the last day of the field trip, the students had the opportunity to explore the city on their own. The trip finally came to an end, as planned and even right on time, with the evening return trip on the ICE, during which the participants were able to reflect on their impressions and experiences. The field trip was an enriching experience that not only deepened their academic understanding but also undoubtedly left them with lasting memories.