Cologne Children's University

40 children immerse in the world of research

What types of cells do we have in our bodies, and what do they look like under a microscope? How do you hold a pipette correctly, and what do I need to do to extract DNA from a banana? Over the course of two days, a total of 40 children encountered these and other fascinating questions at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing.

“Today, we will learn about the body, from the outside to the inside.” explains Maren Berghoff to the children in a short introduction; she is in charge of public relations at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing.

Over the course of two days, a total of 40 children were given the chance to immerse themselves in the world of research. Equipped with lab coats and safety goggles, the children carried out different experiments at several stations. Supervised by our researchers, they learnt how to stain cells and how to use pipettes and microscopes. Among other things, they examined their own cells, compared them with the cells of an onion and extracted DNA from a banana.

Every year, the Cologne Children's University offers young researchers the opportunity to take part in exciting events related to knowledge, research and education, and to take a look behind the scenes of Cologne's universities and scientific institutions.