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Science up close: Successful school excursion with the research vessel
Last Thursday, pupils from Schule Schloss Gaienhofen immersed themselves in the world of limnological research under the guidance of Prof. Dr. David Schleheck and Maxima Gebhardt. From the microscopic examination of plankton to the analysis of ecological data - the event offered valuable insights into the complex processes of the lake and demonstrated the importance of scientific work for environmental protection.
Last Thursday, forum.konstanz and the University of Constance's Limnology Department organized a special event: a sea excursion on the University of Constance's research vessel. Nine pupils from Schule Schloss Gaienhofen gathered at 9 a.m. together with their teacher in the port of Constance. After a brief technical introduction by David Schleheck, Professor of Limnic Microbiology, the research vessel set sail and made its way to the sampling site near Wallhausen.
During the excursion, the focus was on the microscopic examination of zoo- and phytoplankton from water samples. Under the guidance of the team from the University of Konstanz, the participants learned about the use of plankton nets, water samplers, size-class filtration and the collection of data using multi-parameter probes and DNA sequencing. A particular highlight was the opportunity for the participants to produce their own plankton filtrates and examine them under the microscope on board.
Once at the destination, the university team demonstrated the sampling techniques. Particularly impressive was the collection of water samples from different depths of the lake to study temperature stratification and the associated ecological processes. This data is crucial for understanding the effects of climate change on inland waters.
Another highlight was the examination of plankton samples under the microscope. Under the guidance of student teacher Maxima Gebhardt, the well-prepared school group was able to take a close look at the diversity of microorganisms in Lake Constance. The microscopic observation of Leptodora, a predatory water crab, was particularly fascinating. The group was also able to identify Nauplius larvae, Heliozoa, many species of diatoms and Dynobria in their samples. The pupils also helped diligently with the sample filtration.
The students were enthusiastic about the opportunity to experience scientific work up close and were fascinated and excited about the hands-on experience and the new knowledge they gained. The University of Konstanz is planning to offer these excursions regularly in the future to get even more people interested in scientific research and the protection of Lake Constance, to raise awareness of ecological issues and to promote interest in scientific research.