24.07.2025
mit:forschen!:With Shovels, Tea Bags, and Curiosity:
Interview about the Citizen Science Course at Hector Children’s Academies
By Amelie Rebmann
Science doesn’t start only in high school or after graduation – this is demonstrated by the course "Shovels Ready, Set, Go!" at Hector Children’s Academies. In this course, children measure the so-called Tea-Bag Index while literally digging for knowledge. With shovels, tea bags, and plenty of curiosity, they investigate the activity of soil organisms as part of a citizen science project. The data they collect is scientifically analyzed at the University of Tübingen and provides insights into soil development in the context of climate change.
But how can real research be made suitable for children? And what do children learn about science – and themselves? These questions are explored in a recent interview, created in collaboration with mit:forschen, Germany's largest platform for citizen science projects. The conclusion: When children are allowed to contribute, not only does knowledge grow – so does enthusiasm for science.
Further Information
Citizen Science auf der Seite der Hector Kinderakademien
Media Contact
Amelie Rebmann & Jennifer Raffler
Amelie.rebmann@uni-tuebingen.de
Jennifer.raffler@uni-tuebingen.de