MINT research laboratory – Welcome&Stay@THM

THM sets a precedent

“I already know the THM from school!” If the prospective students can say that, they may have experimented at some point in middle school in the THM mobile laboratory that stopped at their school. Or were directly on campus with their class. The goals of this new project are to get students excited about subjects such as computer science, mathematics, natural sciences and technology, to break down fears and prejudices and to show them the option of studying at THM in good time. Because promoting young talent can never start early enough. As part of the MINT research laboratory, THM is expanding its opportunities for research-based learning for schoolgirls and establishing them sustainably.

As part of the project, the THM laboratories are checked for their suitability for use for middle school student projects (grades 5-10) and teaching and learning concepts are developed in collaboration with the departments. Based on a needs analysis, suitable offers are created for the schools in the region. In close cooperation with the existing makerspaces in Giessen and Friedberg, their offerings will be opened up and expanded to suit specific target groups.

A special focus is on addressing girls. Because of stereotypical role models that are conveyed in the media, toys and, last but not least, in the family, many schoolgirls believe that they will be less successful in mathematical and technical areas and - even with the same achievements - rate their MINT skills lower than boys . The project is intended to help promote their interest in scientific and technical topics as well as confidence in their own abilities - and to specifically inspire students for MINT disciplines (e.g. through special MINT groups for girls, the use of "role models") imagery etc.).

The students in the MINT research laboratory are accompanied by didactically trained student tutors from THM - who learn to impart knowledge and expand their skills.