For the engineers of tomorrow
At the youth research centers (JFZ), the researchers of tomorrow will find everything their hearts desire. While the JFZ Sindelfingen is all about the environment and energy, visitors to Herrenberg can gaze at the stars.
The AEROSPACE LAB youth research center in Herrenberg was founded in 2009. Its aim is to get young people from elementary school to high school and beyond interested in science and technology. With a great deal of enthusiasm, the AEROSPACE LAB's supervisors want to reach pupils with the aim of finding their own skills and interests in order to pursue training or studies in the STEM fields of mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology. The great thing is that, unlike at school, the work is not graded and mistakes are often helpful for learning and are therefore expressly permitted.
Curiosity is an integral part of human DNA. The youth research centers in Sindelfingen and Herrenberg demonstrate how to (re)awaken it for technical and scientific things.
In keeping with the name, many of the projects are in the field of aerospace, but not exclusively. The courses begin in elementary school and provide a fun and enjoyable introduction to scientific work. Further content is then offered in stages for secondary schools. The projects range from building a Mars rover and constructing a go-kart with a fuel cell drive to designing small satellites and drones. CAD (computer-aided design) and 3D printing or CNC milling are common techniques that students can learn in the AEROSPACE LAB. The courses are open to all types of schools and are free of charge.
A special feature is the many excursions and presentations at events, for example at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) or the University of Stuttgart. Many project participants have already made the acquaintance of astronauts such as Matthias Maurer or Reinhold Ewald or even a moonwalker like Charlie Duke. The patrons of the AEROSPACE LAB are former astronaut Thomas Reiter and Herrenberg's Lord Mayor Thomas Sprißler.
NASA astronaut Charlie Duke spent three days on the moon - he reported on this mission in the AEROSPACE LAB
Focus on the environment and energy
At the JFZ Sindelfingen, the volunteer supervisors are dedicated to exciting topics from the fields of the environment and energy. The JFZ organizes various courses and events. In small groups, young people learn about areas of knowledge in a fun yet scientifically sound way and acquire new skills. The JFZ is run by former IBM employee and current university lecturer Volker Rose and retired director of studies Heinz Ulmer. Both received the district's honorary award for their voluntary work. The district of Böblingen wants to further strengthen the youth research center. Rooms and laboratory space were expanded in 2018. In addition, another youth research center for young inventors and tinkerers is to be built in Leonberg.
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