The Student Research Center (SFZ), organized by TechnologieAllianzOberfranken (TAO), has been in existence since 2014. Students from the 6th grade onwards have the opportunity to intensively deal with the MINT subjects, i.e. mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology, in exciting workshops, seminars and project weeks. Hof University of Applied Sciences also offers interesting events as part of the SFZ, inviting participants to get involved.
Since the workshops take place at the TAO partner universities, fear of contact with universities and higher education institutions is to be reduced at an early stage and the children and young people learn that there is first-class research and study opportunities in Upper Franconia.
The TechnologieAllianzOberfranken
The TechnologieAllianzOberfranken (TAO) is a cooperation of the four Upper Franconian universities, i.e. the universities of Bamberg and Bayreuth as well as the universities of applied sciences Coburg and Hof in the fields of research, teaching and cooperation with the economy. The goal of TAO is to further develop Upper Franconia as a science location.
Scientists should find optimal research conditions as well as students optimal conditions for their academic education. After completing their studies, it should be possible to find an attractive job in the region.”
Anja Chales de Beaulieu, Managing Director TechnologieAllianzOberfranken
And further: “Continuing education opportunities should be created that are open to people in the profession, regardless of an existing academic degree. Interesting jobs must also be available for non-academics.”
In 2011, the cooperation was founded with the aim of supporting the regional economy.
The Student Research Center
Involved in the Student Research Center are the four partner universities in the TAO network, as well as the government of Upper Franconia and Oberfranken Offensiv.
For many years now, there have been problems with young talent in the technical and scientific subjects. So the idea was born to create offerings in an extracurricular environment to arouse curiosity in these very subjects.”
Anja Chales de Beaulieu, Managing Director TechnologieAllianzOberfranken
The Hof University of Applied Sciences also offers a space to try things out, offering interested students both workshops and seminars on all aspects of the STEM subjects.
Workshops and seminars at Hof University
From May to July, i.e. in the second half of the school year, the following workshops and seminars will take place at Hof University of Applied Sciences:
Computer Science in the Bee Lab (Prof. Dr. Jürgen Heym)
After a short introduction to bee science, the participants get to know the bee laboratory of Hof University of Applied Sciences, the bee colonies living there and their dwellings. Afterwards, the measuring methods used at the apiary will be presented using practical examples. The students can then carry out their own evaluations and calculations and learn to interpret the results. The course is aimed at children in grades 9 and up and has been postponed until probably July. Registrations are still possible.
Data analysis for buses and trains (Prof. Dr. Richard Göbel)
Digitalization is now finding its way into almost all areas of life. Using the optimization of public transport as an example, this workshop will provide an overview of data, its analysis, and the use of this data for forecasting. Participants will also get an introduction to selected tools that support data analysis in this context. Finally, the children will be able to perform small analyses themselves using these tools. This workshop has also been postponed from May to probably July. Registrations are still possible.
Makerspace Hof: Arduino (René Göhring)
A little bit of theory, tinkering and at the end some programming. This is what the workshop Arduino promises. Arduinos are microcontrollers that can be assembled and programmed together with various components such as LEDs or sensors. In this context, the participants will be shown how to build and control a weather station. The workshop will take place on two days in July in the new Makerspace of the Hof University of Applied Sciences and is aimed at interested people from 8th grade. Registrations are still possible.
Solar power bank: The power of the sun always with you (Michael Dölz)
In today’s world, we rely on our mobile device in many situations – a reliable power supply is essential. During the workshop, participants will be able to build a functional powerbank that can be charged with the help of the sun. The event will take place on 12.05.22 in the period from 9 am to 5 pm at Hof University of Applied Sciences. Unfortunately, registrations are no longer possible.
Experience computer science – from micro:bit to NAO6 (Prof. Dr. Sebastian Leuoth)
The micro:bit is a small computer with built-in sensors. In the workshop, the children and young people get to know the micro:bit, create their own programs and use them to implement small applications in the real world. In the second session the participants can program the small robot NAO6 which can walk and talk. The workshops will take place on May 18 and 25 from 14:00 – 17:00 at the Hof University of Applied Sciences. Registrations are still possible.
Start Up – That would be something for me! (Dr. Jens Löbus)
In a business game the students get to know the way of a start up, from the idea to the company name. There is a lot of interaction here and the young founders get a real start up feeling. After the product is named and virtually manufactured, marketing and distribution is taken care of. Finally, the company is named, and a promotional video is shot. The event will be held at the Einstein1 Digital Incubator on two days, May 18 and June 1, both from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. The course is aimed at students in 9th grade and above. Registrations are still possible.
Workshop From the Idea to the Product – Becoming a Lego Entrepreneur (Dr. Jens Löbus)
From the idea to the finished product – whether object, service or service. In this workshop, participants will learn about the 4 phases of product development, with a special focus on the concept phase. In this, the idea is rounded off. This event will also take place at the Digital Incubator Einstein1, on May 18 and June 1 from 2pm to 4pm each day. The course is aimed at students in grades 8 to 10, and registrations are still open.
App Experience Design for Smartphone (Prof. Ina Günther and Prof. Dr. Sven Rill)
The workshop offers an exciting introduction to app development. Participants will learn about selected topics from the areas of user experience design, user centered information architecture, interface and interaction design, and usability. Furthermore, the computer scientists of tomorrow will learn the first steps to programming an app. The workshop is full-day and will take place on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at Hof University of Applied Sciences. Registration deadline is Wednesday, May 25.
Esports – How does an Esports club work? (Prof. Dr. Sven Rill and Vincent Tischler)
Esports and tournaments for video games are gaining more and more importance in Germany, too, because Esports is more than just “gambling”. The Esport teams at Hof University want to educate about the topic, eliminate prejudices and promote the many advantages of club as well as team sports. There will be opportunities to interview the athletes themselves and to represent the school with your own team in a tournament. The workshop will be held on June 23, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hof College. The course is aimed at students in grades 8 and up, and the registration deadline is June 16.
Amateur Radio (Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Richter)
In many countries outside of Europe, the cell phone connection as we know it does not exist. The radio amateur, on the other hand, will always be in contact, even in the loneliest places in the world. In the Amateur Radio workshop, students get an impression of how global communication works with amateur radio. With guidance, participants can also make radio connections themselves. The workshop will take place twice, on July 8 and July 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day. Registration deadline is 01 July.
P- Seminar Start Up Business Game
Goal: to develop a product, a service or a service in the context of a P-seminar and to discover how a Start Up works. Realization: In the context of workshops the pupils should receive the necessary theoretical equipment for the product development as well as for the Start Up establishment. Details should and can be adapted with the teachers of the P-Seminars to the needs of the high schools and their students. Times and locations are still being defined.
Registration for the workshops
Students interested in one or more workshops should register for the respective event at: sfz-lehrer-hof@wsto.de. There, interested parties will also receive all information on the number of participants, application deadlines and exact event days, locations and times. More detailed information is available at: https://www.tao-oberfranken.de/lehre-schuelerforschungszentrum/schuelerforschungszentrum/konkrete-angebote
Hof University of Applied Sciences is looking forward to welcoming curious minds and to researching and experimenting together with the tinkerers of tomorrow.
