From Pirate Raids to Knocking Animals

Photo: University of Hamburg/Esfandiari Children’s University Lectures at
Photo: University of Hamburg/Esfandiari Children’s University Lectures at the University’s Audimax

Exciting lectures from a range of topics tailored to young researchers in the largest University hall: From 11 November 2024, University of Hamburg researchers welcome children aged 8-12 in the Audimax on 4 Mondays.

The researchers will take the children on a journey into the fascinating world of research. They can explore interesting topics from sport, peace research, history, and biology especially in a child-friendly way.

All lectures are free of charge and take place at the Audimax of the University of Hamburg, Von-Melle-Park 4, 20146 Hamburg. The lectures start at 5 pm and last 45 minutes each. At the end of the lecture the children are encouraged to ask questions. No registration required.

In addition to gaining knowledge aplenty the young audience can take part in a special activity: Those who wish, can get a stamp card and collect stamps after each lecture they attended. Those who can present at least 3 stamps can pick up a surprise after the last lecture.

The Children’s University Lectures is a joint initiative by the University of Hamburg and the ETV Kinderund Jugendförderung. Funded within the scope of the Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State Governments Find further information on the Children’s University Hamburg website. 

An overview of topics and times:

11 November 2024: "Entdecke die Sportheld:in in dir! Was brauchst du, um mitzumachen’" (Unleash your inner sports hero! What does it take to get in’)

This lecture allows you to dive into the exciting world of sports and discover that exercise can be a lot of fun. We will take a look at what skills are required for human movement, games, and sports. For instance, you must be able to do a roll and throw, whether you do gymnastics or play handball. The research group Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy team offers great activities where you can try out which sport best suits you.

18 November 2014: "Warum gibt es Kriege’" (Why war’)

Conflict is common-between friends, in the family, and in sport. However, most disputes are resolved quickly. When countries disagree or quarrel, this can lead to war with terrible consequences. How can wars be prevented’ And are we in danger in Germany too’ Learn more from Regina Heller! Also: What can you do to make this world a more peaceful place’

25 November 2024: "Gibt es heute eigentlich noch Piraten’" (Are there modern-day pirates’)

Pirates, who were they really, and what are today’s pirates like’ Men with eyepatches and peg legs have only survived on film and in pictures. Are these representations realistic at all’ And was Klaus Störtebeker actually a pirate’ In his lecture, Christoph Dartmann takes you on a "raid" from past to present, looking for answers to these questions.

2 December 2024: "Biotremologie-Wer klopft denn da’" (Biotremology-Guess who’s knocking!)

Just like humans, animals also have to communicate and exchange information to be in the loop. However, most animals do this nonverbally without making a sound, but through vibrations on ground. How exactly do they "talk "through the ground’ How come animals can understand this information and humans can’t’ Zoologist Dr. Monika Eberhard knows all the answers about trembling spiders, knocking insects, and buzzing elephants.