Experiment, Discover, Be Inspired – the Science Summer Camp 2025 at the Max Planck Institute

Twenty children spent a week full of science, games, and discoveries – and took home unforgettable experiences.

At the very end of the summer holidays, the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research was buzzing with energy. From September 8 to 12, 2025, the Science Summer Camp turned the institute into a playground of curiosity and discovery. Twenty children, aged 10 to 13, filled the labs with laughter, questions, and experiments.

From the very first day, it was clear: this camp was about more than learning facts. The children built, tinkered, tested, and asked endless questions. The teamwork was remarkable, the energy contagious. Within hours, everyone knew – this would be a week to remember.

Hands-on Science

At the heart of the program was doing science for real. The young participants launched CO₂ rockets, made superconductors float, tested the pH of solutions, and even built their own cloud chamber. They split water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis, built solar-powered moving flowers, and—without doubt—the crowd favorite: handmade slime.

Each activity was paired with background knowledge. Solar cells were linked to energy generation, the cloud chamber to particle physics, and the water electrolysis to energy storage. This way, the children not only got to experiment but also understood the scientific context behind what they were doing.

Asking the Right Questions

Another highlight came when the children conducted interviews with scientists. “What do you actually do all day?” “Where do your ideas come from?” Their questions showed how deeply curious they were. The answers were turned into creative posters, giving insight into how science really works.

Through this exercise, the children discovered that research is not only about lab work—it’s about teamwork, persistence, and the search for answers to big questions.

Of course, science wasn’t the only thing happening during the week. During breaks, the camp became a lively playground, with countless rounds of the popular game “Werewolf.” Just like in the experiments, the kids laughed, debated, and strategized with enthusiasm.

This balance of play and science was key: it showed the children that learning can be exciting and fun at the same time.

A Presentation to Remember

The final day brought a special moment. Parents were invited to see what their children had accomplished. In small groups, the kids presented their posters and talked about their interviews with the scientists. The excitement in the room was palpable. Many parents were amazed at how much their children had learned and how passionately they spoke about science.

Impact Beyond the Camp

The young participants left with more than just knowledge of chemistry and physics basics. They learned how experiments are planned, how variables are tested, and how results are analyzed. Most importantly, they carried home a genuine fascination for the natural world and its mysteries.

For the MPI community, the camp was equally meaningful. Scientists who guided experiments or answered interview questions found joy in sharing their passion and inspiring the next generation directly. It was an experience of mentorship and communication that benefits the institute’s broader mission.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the camp’s main organizers: Samuel van Gele and Martina Paetsch, both PhD candidates at the institute. With creativity, dedication, and tireless effort, they made the camp a resounding success.

The Science Summer Camp is an essential part of the MPI-FKF’s outreach efforts: opening the doors, making science tangible, and sparking fascination in the next generation. Plans for next year’s camp are already underway—with fresh experiments, more games, and certainly the same contagious enthusiasm.

If this week proved one thing, it’s this: when children and science come together, the result is not only discovery, but also joy, community, and inspiration.