The Research Neutron Source as well as the Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene and the four Munich Clusters of Excellence organized numerous hands-on activities, exciting lectures, guided tours on site and virtual laboratory tours. The young visitors were thrilled to become active themselves in the activities for exploring, tinkering and trying things out and to immerse themselves in the world of science in a playful way.
Dino eggs and an ice-cold surprise
How does a high-performance research reactor work? How do you look inside fossilized dinosaur eggs without destroying them? Young and old mouse fans explored these and other questions at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Research Neutron Source (FRM II). At the well-attended supporting program in the Science Congress Center, they enjoyed exciting lectures, a painting and craft corner where children could make their own spectroscope, several small Lego models of the giant instruments, two neutron throwing games, and numerous exhibits from the reactor and MLZ scientists.
During guided tours at FRM II, 287 guests were also allowed an exclusive look into the reactor pool, the experimental hall and the neutron guide hall. And at the end of the tour, there was the now traditional ice-cold and sweet surprise for the 64 children.