Every Wednesday, things get particularly exciting in our Mierie. Seven to eight dedicated pensioners meet up with a suitcase full of surprises and introduce the third-grade pupils to the phenomena of physics. The group is called “Magical Physics” and is part of the Bürgerstiftung Berlin(https://buergerstiftung-berlin.de/zauberhafte-physik/).
Curiosity is palpable as soon as you enter the room. What is hidden in the suitcase today? Which experiment will cause amazement this time? The gentlemen of “Magical Physics” know how to transform everyday phenomena into small wonders. It’s not about magic, but about hands-on science.
But we at Mierie wondered who was actually behind this initiative. It is a colorful mix of former university lecturers, physicists, chemists, engineers and administrative experts. The team consists of twelve members in total. Everyone brings their own professional experience to the table. One reason for joining the team was the desire to pass on knowledge and experience to young people. At the same time, the members emphasize how much they themselves benefit. Their guiding principle is “When you have to teach something, you learn the most.”
The topics are distributed at the beginning of the school year. Each member can sign up for a favorite topic and take on the moderation of an experiment. The others support and assist. Experiments are not only carried out in the science room. The corridor also becomes a research laboratory. In good weather, the experiments even move to the playground. Wherever there is room for amazement, questions and joint experimentation.
The most important aim of “Magical Physics” is to arouse pupils’ curiosity. They want to break down fears of physical experiments and, above all, encourage an attitude. The question “Why is this so” is always the focus. The children learn to look closely, make assumptions and look for solutions together.
We are very happy about this enriching cooperation and are looking forward to many more moments full of aha experiences.
