The students in the advanced chemistry class in Q3 got to get a taste of “college life” twice. At the chemistry department in Marburg, they were able to spend an entire day in the lab conducting experiments prepared by student teachers. “It was pretty exhausting, but also cool,” was the unanimous opinion. Only a short lunch break in the cafeteria was scheduled to recharge their “empty batteries.” The experiments were certainly relevant to the Abitur and were carried out with great care and expertise, a fact that was also praised by the internship supervisor, Dr. Philipp Reiß.
Our second trip to the university took us to Darmstadt for two days—with an overnight stay at the youth hostel. In Darmstadt, we visited the junior lab run by the Technical University and the Merck company. The experiments, which we had discussed beforehand with the lab director, were a bit more complicated this time, but the results were all the more impressive. Among other things, the students were able to take measurements using spectrophotometers and create “bouncy playdough” through a multi-step organic synthesis. Mirroring Coke bottles was another highlight. Unfortunately, we barely had time for other activities, but at least we were able to enjoy the September sunshine and the pleasant temperatures outside in the cafeteria and in the evening at Café Chaos.
