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FerienKinderUni: "Research workshop for plants & Animals"
"Can aphid lions roar?" Young researchers can investigate these and other "animal" questions about insects, birds and small mammals here and in the tropics for themselves. Under expert guidance, they go on a "small animal safari" and experience animals in and around the tropical greenhouse.
Even if you often only notice them at second glance - insects are of great importance here and in the tropics: they pollinate orange and apple trees, for example, and thus provide delicious fruit; they are responsible for the distribution of many plants and work as "garbage collectors". But the lives of birds, hedgehogs, bats and other animals are also closely linked to those of plants. Plants show animals what they have "on offer" with their scent, shapes and colors. Why do they actually do this and what do the animals get out of it? And what do we humans have to do with it?
The children decide democratically how the program should be adapted according to their wishes. We are currently planning the following:
The first day is about the question: Do plants need animals? Or do animals need plants? The children observe, dig, research and consider: which animals or animal tracks do they find on the plants, and: do they help each other or do they even "like to eat each other"? How important is cooperation for animals and plants, is there a way to find out?
Useful or harmful animal for the plant - who nibbles on the banana and cabbage? This question is the focus of the second day. Then it's all about aphid lions, caterpillars and many more that often put a spanner in the works of our crops. What can we do to attract some and keep others at bay? What should a garden look like in which small and large animals as well as plants feel at home and work well together? Do we get something out of it? We want to put what we have learned into practice straight away - and can then continue to observe at home. This is where craftsmanship is required!
On the third day, the focus is on partnerships: Which animals are the plants' partners? And what happens when one of the partners no longer exists? The children explore the question of what we humans gain from the work of small animals and how we can encourage and support them. They explore the connection between honey from South America, Witzenhausen cherries and German bees. They playfully experience the rules of coexistence between bees and other animal communities.
The impact of plants and animals on the world's climate is the focus of the last day. Plants absorb carbon dioxide - animals release it. The children explore the interaction between animals and plants in organic farming. How can we support the animal helpers? The children plant and make useful things.
To keep up with the strenuous research work, there is a joint breakfast break. The children have to bring their own food because of the distancing and hygiene rules.
With agricultural engineer Ines Fehrmann and student Tony Lindenau.
Cooperation between Bildung trifft Entwicklung, Bündnis für Familie and WeltGarten Witzenhausen, for children aged 8 to 12.
70€/child. Registration 05542/72812 until March 31, 2022.
Children should wear sturdy clothing suitable for the weather.
Note: Subject to all permits - in compliance with the applicable hygiene regulations. In order to make the vacation program possible despite the pandemic while observing distance regulations, two rounds will take place with fewer participants. After registration, families will receive the hygiene instructions and rules for containing the corona virus. Please note that we have to react flexibly to current regulations and requirements!