The Goethe-Institut presented a rewarding and thought provoking afternoon of Science Workshops in German at The Honorary German Consulate Perth on 24 November 2017. Students from a number of senior high schools in Perth in year 7 to year 10 engaged in hands-on activities lead by German speaking Western Australian scientists.

The Honorary German Consulate Perth was abuzz with excitement as the 40 students had the opportunity to step into the scientists shoes and learn about their interesting research areas; from how bacteria can be used to clean up contaminated sites, identifying a whale through DNA, virtual reality in Health and Safety training to a LEGO robotics Space-Mission workshop!

Each workshop was conducted in German promoting science and German language integrated learning. The students gained a greater insight into a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and the strong connection the German language shares with these subject areas. Germany has a strong record of research, development and innovation in the fields of STEM and is one of the most commonly used scientific languages. Students who learn German gain access to academic knowledge, discourse and ideas in German speaking countries and central Europe.

The workshops concluded with a presentation by Professor Alexandra Ludewig, from the University of Western Australia, who outlined the many advantages of studying in Germany. This provided an opportunity for students and their parents to gain a greater understanding of higher education pathways for students studying German.

Thank you to the Goethe-Institut, Sonja Pluess and Kaja Eling,  for the organisation of this event and for including Perth in the schedule. The Honorary Consulate and German Language Round Table are working hard to support and promote German language learning in WA and are committed to strengthen German language in WA schools and institutions so that more students can realise the many benefits of learning German.

Thank you to the scientists who have so generously given their time and effort to create the workshop content it was very much appreciated. In particular:
Melanie Bruckberger (PhD Student, CSIRO and University of Western Australia)
Dr Andrea Ducki and Dr Thea Linke (Murdoch University)
Dr Torsten Reiners (Curtin University)
Prof Alexandra Ludewig (The University of Western Australia)

Thank you to the students, teachers and parents for your interest and enthusiasm in German and Science.

Read the Goethe-Institut Report on the Science Workshops in German by clicking here