Aalen University of Applied Sciences recently welcomed around 80 pupils from Years 11 and 12 at St. Jakobus-Gymnasium Abtsgmünd together with their teachers. The visit began with a welcome from the school liaison office, represented by Dr. Piyali Bhattacharjee and Kristina Gaugler. For the institution of higher education and the grammar school as new educational partners, the experience day was one of the first joint events (general). The cooperation, cooperative venture partnership is to be further strengthened in the future.
Specific programs covering study interests in the field (of) engineering, computer science and health
After the welcome, the pupils were divided into groups, each accompanied by a member of university staff and a teacher. In two rounds of the program, they were able to get to know different fields (of) the institution of higher education: from interactive presentations to exciting laboratory visits. The diverse program ranged from Health | Natural Sciences, Engineering sciences | Future technologies to Computer science | Artificial intelligence. A special highlight was the presentation of the Higher Teaching degree at vocational schools (Engineering Education) by Professor Dr. Lukas Schachner.
With games and excitement into the world of Business Information Systems and IT Security
In an interactive simulation; (business) game, one of the groups first learned about the fundamentals of Business and Information Systems Engineering: Based on a fictitious bakery in which appointments, orders and warehouse processes were still analog, the participants developed digital solutions, modeled a small database, databank and discussed IT security aspects. The IT Security team then presented the BAKSecure research project. The students were able to try out various cyber security educational games themselves, including StealthSec, SecurityCards KRITIS Edition and the VR game Password Game. As a degree, they were given information about the Business Information Systems and IT Security degree programme and its diverse career prospects.
The fascination of surfaces: where nature and technicians meet
At the Center for Surface Technology (ZEO), the students were given fascinating insights into the diverse world of coating technologies. At three hands-on stations, they learned about key surface technology processes, ranging from biomimetic structures to galvanic coatings and laser engraving. They investigated the lotus effect and carried out contact angle measurements, designed their own motifs on brass sheets using pad electroplating and refined them before finally engraving and gold-plating individual stainless steel multi-openers with a laser. The visit not only offered exciting experiments, but also impressively illustrated the link between nature, School of Engineering and sustainability topics, which play a central role in the Materials for Sustainability degree programme.
The senses of the smartphone: School of Engineering meets everyday life
In the project "The senses of my smartphone", accompanied by Prof. Dr. Arif Kazi and Prof. Dr. Lukas Schachner, the participants immersed themselves in the fascinating world of sensor technology. With the help of their own smartphones and the Phyphox app, they explored the sensors in modern equipment and how they detect physical quantities such as acceleration, magnetic fields or sound. It became clear how many technical and natural sciences principles can be found in everyday applications and how smartphones can be used as simple but precise measuring instruments. The project thus vividly combined everyday digital skills with a spirit of research in the natural sciences.
Experience flow up close: Experimenting with 3D printing and a wind tunnel
During a vivid demonstration at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering & Material Science, the students gained exciting insights into fluid mechanics and digital production processes. In the 3D-printed wind tunnel, Professor Dr. Ingo Stotz impressively demonstrated flow phenomena on model cars and aircraft models before the participants were able to experiment for themselves. Professor Tilman Traub then showed how artificial intelligence is used in production in the Interactive Learning Laboratory for Digitalization in Mechanical Engineering (ILLDiM) - illustrated by an entertaining gummy bear experiment.
Focus on health: understanding and managing stress
In an interactive workshop on the topic of stress, the students learned what happens in the brain during a stress reaction. They then worked on practical cases from company health management - from care to working from home to production - and developed their own ideas for coping with stress and promoting health. In addition, they were given insights into the Physician Assistant, Chemistry and Biopharmaceutical Chemistry degree programmes, which show how closely the health and natural sciences are linked at Aalen University of Applied Sciences.
The programs, which combine technical, natural sciences and economy, cost-effective departments, offered the students the opportunity to expand their STEM skills and prepare for Studies and the job market. The participants showed great interest in the diverse topics and enjoyed the varied program.
