FerienKinderUni: "Research Workshop Plants & Animals".

"Can aphid lions roar?" These and other "animal" questions about insects, birds and small mammals here and in the tropics can be explored by the young researchers themselves. Under expert guidance, they go on a "small animal safari" and experience animals in and around the tropical greenhouse.
Even though they are often only noticed at second glance, insects are very important here and in the tropics: they pollinate orange and apple trees, for example, and thus ensure delicious fruit; they are responsible for the spread 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 scent, shapes and colors. Why do they 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 will be 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 banana and cabbage? This question is the focus of the second day. Then it's on to aphid lions, caterpillars, and many more that often throw a wrench in our harvest calculations. 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 comfortable and work well together? Do we also get something out of it? We want to put what we have learned into practice right away - and then we can continue to observe at home. Craftsmanship is required here!

On the third day, the focus is on partnerships: Which animals are the partners of the plants? And what happens when one of the partners no longer exists? The children explore the question of what we humans get out of the work of small animals and how we can encourage and support them. They explore the connection between honey from South America and Witzenhausen cherries and German bees. Playfully, they 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 on the last day. Plants absorb carbon dioxide - animals release it. The children explore the interaction of animals and plants in organic farming. How can we support the animal helpers? The children plant and make useful things for this purpose.

In order to keep up with the strenuous research work, there is a breakfast break together. The children have to bring their own food because of the distance and hygiene rules.

With agricultural engineer Ines Fehrmann and student Tony Lindenau.

Cooperation of Bildung trifft Entwicklung, Bündnis für Familie and WeltGarten Witzenhausen, for children from 8 to 12 years.

70€/child. Registration 05542/72812 by March 31, 2022.

Ge­wächs­haus for tro­pi­sche Nutz­pflan­zen

Children should wear durable clothing appropriate for the weather.
Note: Subject to all permits - in compliance with applicable sanitary regulations. In order to make the vacation program possible in spite of the pandemic while observing spacing regulations, two rounds with fewer participants will take place. After registration, families will receive the hygiene instructions and rules for the containment of the Corona virus. Please note that we have to react flexibly to current regulations and requirements!