Youth embarking on a global voyage to discover earth's mysteries

The Tschira Youth Academy, a non-profit organization established 15 years ago by a recipient of the KlarText award for science communication, is on a mission to bring the wonders of the Earth within reach of young minds. Founded by Klaus Tschira, a physicist and co-founder of SAP, the Klaus Tschira Foundation, which supports the academy, shares the same goal of promoting natural sciences, mathematics, and informatics.

The academy's focus on soil reveals the vast amount of life hidden beneath our feet, with more living beings in a handful of earth than there are people on Earth. This emphasis on exploration and understanding is reflected in the academy's motto, "Learning-by-Experimenting," which is supported by a team of experienced scientists, including Dr. Nina Schaller (biologist), Dr. Kristina Eck (geologist and paleontologist), and Rikk Villa, a passionate educator.

During four-day holiday courses, children and young people are given unique opportunities to delve into the mysteries of the natural world. These courses include behind-the-scenes looks at scientific institutions and exclusive excursions. One of the academy's popular summer courses, "Life," covers the basics of life on Earth, including the origin of life, the diversity of animals and plants, and the possibility of life on other planets.

In the afternoons, young participants put their newfound knowledge into practice, using a plant identification app to identify and label flora around the academy. This hands-on approach to learning is central to the academy's ethos, with mentors researching and experimenting alongside the participants.

The academy's commitment to education extends beyond its holiday courses. New in the program is the "Enrichment Program" for continuing schools in the region, committed to experience-based learning. The foundation's nationwide commitment begins in kindergarten and continues through schools, universities, and research institutions.

Kristina Eck and the academy team express hope in the young generation's potential to make the world more sustainable. The introductory basic course, "What is Biology," opens the door to further programs of the Tschira Youth Academy. Whether it's identifying woodlice or discussing the status of their skin, the young researchers are encouraged to ask questions and explore the natural world with curiosity and wonder.

For more information about the Tschira Youth Academy and the Klaus Tschira Foundation, please visit their respective websites. The foundation also promotes dialogue between science and society, aiming to contribute to the appreciation of the natural sciences, mathematics, and informatics.