“From bulb to tulip and from potato to French fries”

The Minihaus in Pippinger Strasse has focussed on research and experiments for some years - and the nursery has now been officially certified by the “Haus der kleinen Forscher” [Little Scientists’ House] foundation.

“We are delighted that we can now call ourselves a Little Scientists’ House,” explains deputy head of education at Minihaus München, Silvia Wick. “It means we can demonstrate our special educational work in STEM subjects externally as well.”

So-called STEM subjects – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – play a key role in the daily routine at the Pippinger Strasse nursery. The curriculum for individual groups includes a weekly research session for which educational staff prepare a variety of projects. “One group, for example, examined tulip bulbs in time for the start of spring; they planted the bulbs and then watched the tulips grow,” reports Silvia Wick. Colour was added to the water later to enable the children to see the “channels” via which the tulip gets its food. Another project was called “Tremendous tuber – from potato to French fries”. In this case, the children planted potatoes themselves, then harvested them and made them into French fries.

Even the youngest children can get involved, Silvia Wick is keen to point out. “Everything children experience in their daily routine involves research and experimenting. It starts with a growing awareness of their own bodies. Even in the crèche, we make a start of raising the children’s awareness of nature.” The results of experiments are noted down and recorded by means of photos on posters, for example, so that parents, too, get an insight into the work which is going on.

“Certification as a Little Scientists’ House means we benefit not only by getting more parents; it also helps us with recruitment,” asserts Silvia Wick. Certification is valid for two years, after which the Minihaus can apply for recertification.

The “Haus der kleinen Forscher” foundation aims to facilitate routine contact with scientific, technical, engineering and mathematical topics for children at the nursery/primary school stage. It supports educational professionals with in-service training to enable them to accompany children as they discover, research and learn in everyday scenarios. The foundation is the largest German education initiative in the early years sector. It works with a large network of partners and is funded by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung [Federal Ministry of Education and Research]. For more information, go to www.haus-der-kleinen-forscher.de. (jh)