On 5 June, we welcomed two groups from Artland Gymnasium Quakenbrück to the DIL. Classes 5 and 6 explored the topic of ‘Breakfast for bright minds’. The focus was on healthy eating in the morning – what should be on your plate to get your body and mind going? The children also took a playful look at the origin and quality of food.

Grades 9 to 12 explored ‘Nutrition and Food Chemistry – The Science Behind Our Food.’ Interactive stations gave them insights into current research questions: How can you recognise organic eggs? What is really in juice? How can food analysis be used effectively to verify quality and origin?

Two ongoing research projects were also presented as part of the introduction:
•    ÖkoEiSpec (funded by the Federal Organic Farming Programme, BÖL, on behalf of the BMEL): This project investigates how organic eggs can be reliably identified and traced using spectroscopic methods.
•    Q-Spec (funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, BMBF): This project develops methods for food quality assurance using non-destructive analysis, e.g. near-infrared or fluorescence spectroscopy.

In addition to a tour of the chemistry department, the students also got a look at the technical centre. There, they got to try our plant-based bratwurst, among other things.

Thanks to the teachers at Artland-Gymnasium for organising the visit and showing interest in our work.