Fun scientific activity for children

Our Robotic Materials Department hosted 10 children from our Kita "Forscherzwerge" for a fun scientific activity yesterday. The children learned about static electricity and the power of electrostatics. The scientists explained the principle of opposite charges that attract, while same charges repel each other, using the Van de Graaff generator that makes the hair fly (see the picture of Nina, our Director's daughter). The researcher also showed them how they use static electricity in our everyday #research with a demonstration of a hopping #robot leg powered by these principles. Finally, the kids were able to design and color their own butterflies and fairies with wings that move using static electricity on balloons. A new generation of researchers inspired and motivated.