The Science Days 2021 could finally take place again at the Europa Park in Rust and of course the CIBSS was there. Between October 22 and 23 2021, CIBSS staff answered question after question and aroused the curiosity of the many visitors with exciting experiments and interactive games. With over 8000 participants, this year's event organised by Science & Technology e.V. was once again a complete success.
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Science Days are back at last! CIBSS at popular Kid's Event at the Europa-Park in Rust
With interactive games and an exciting experiment, the CIBSS was able to inspire schoolchildren at this year's Science Days.
Due to hygienic rules, the participants were not able to extract their own DNA this year, but they were able to extract DNA from red berries or kiwis. Of course, this did not diminish the amazement of the participants, and the colourful utensils in the mini-lab were a great eye-catcher. Using simple household products such as salt and soap, the students first disrupted the cells and then used concentrated alcohol to make the insoluble DNA visible. During the incubation period in the hot water bath, many interactive learning games awaited the amateur scientists.
During antigen fishing, many a riddle of antibody specificity and the immune system was solved playfully. The aim was to fish out the correct antigens with the magnetic antibodies from a large box full of countless pathogens as quickly as possible. Of course, this was much quicker in the second round, because the pupils have built up an immunological memory – just like our immune system.
DNA from fruits
We extracted DNA from fruits with an easy protocol and colourful liquids. The result was that DNA accumulated at the limit between the alcohol and the residue and was visible as thread-like structure.
(Image: Mathilde Bessert-Nettelbeck)
Whether it was a virus memory, a colouring competition, or a herd immunity jenga: there was something for everyone at the Science Days. Even those who could not participate on-site had the chance to learn about science at the CIBSS online: in the Science Days digital area. With educational videos and lectures on immunology and the universal language of life, CIBSS scientists brought signalling research straight home to anyone who was interested.
By the way, the instructions for DNA extraction in your own kitchen are still available there for viewing and downloading. We look forward to being able to inspire you again next year at the Science Days!
Have a look at our digital Science Days booth: www.science-days.de/digital
More videos by CIBSS are on our YouTube-Channel: www.youtube.com/playlist