Children discovered the superpower of plants

27/05/2024

About 100 children from Düsseldorf elementary schools were introduced by CEPLAS scientists into the fascinating world of plant research.

In the frame of the international Fascination of Plants Day, around 100 primary school children from Düsseldorf visited Heinrich Heine University for an exciting workshop titled "Pflanzen haben Superkräfte." Hosted by CEPLAS and the Institute for Quantitative and Theoretical Biology (HHU), the workshop aimed to introduce children to the amazing world of plants and provide insights into plant research.

The day began with a brief lecture in one of the university's large lecture halls, where the children learned about the incredible capabilities of plants. Especially the mention of carnivorous plants impressed the children and was a welcome occasion to point out to them that plants should be viewed but not touched. This prepared them for the visit to the Botanical Garden, where four different experiments and a guided tour through the Garden were waiting for the children.

Hands-on experiments conducted by postdoctoral and doctoral researchers from the Institute for Quantitative and Theoretical Biology were a highlight of the day. The children discovered that plants can glow and breathe, and why they are green. On prepared plates with small pieces of apples, potatoes and bananas, the children were able to detect the starch content with the help of an iodine solution. Engaged and curious, the students asked numerous questions and some even impressed the scientists with their existing scientific knowledge.

During a final tour through the Botanical Garden, the children got an impression of the many exciting topics in the gardens and learned about a number of special plants and their characteristics.

The event was a resounding success, sparking enthusiasm for plant science among the young attendees.

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