It was an exciting insight into the world of technology for the 5th grade of the Dresden Vitzthum high school.

At the invitation of the junior research group STEEP Carbon Trans, which deals with the establishment and consequences of the carbon cycle economy at the IEC, 30 students from class 5b found themselves in one of our lecture halls. There the question “plastic waste – problem or resource?” was clarified. Discussions included what is known to children about plastic, where it comes from and what disadvantages our handling of this adaptable and valuable material has.

The students already demonstrated a lot of previous knowledge and shone with many answers and clever questions. During the lesson in the green salon of our institute, the carbon atom Carbi showed in a child-friendly way where plastic comes from, how important waste separation is and which alternatives to producing from petroleum exist to reduce the negative consequences, such as marine pollution and CO2 emissions, and maybe to prevent it completely one day.

After the interesting participation lesson, the little explorers were allowed to put on a helmet and explore our large plant. They learned, among other things, how much planning is required to set up such a plant and which professional groups are involved in a test drive. After a refreshment at a picnic in the sunshine, the prospective researchers went to the Terra Mineralia to immerse themselves in the magical world of rocks.

The Carbi videos can be called up at  Media / Download on the STEEP site in German and English.