Children’s University: essential for (survival)!

The Children’s University at the University of Applied Sciences kicked off the 2024 academic year on 9 March with a topic of vital importance: ‘Check, Call, Press – Anyone can save a life.’ Children’s University lecturer Dr Norman Händel, Chief Physician at the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at Mittweida Hospital, guided the approximately 190 children in the large lecture theatre at the Centre for Media and Social Work step by step through the procedures, tips and rules for saving a life in an emergency.

Many of these are actually very easy to learn: the basics of the circulatory system, how to recognise a cardiac arrest, who to call in an emergency and which five key ‘W’ questions to answer – and finally, the ‘centrepiece’ of the lecture: chest compressions to the tune of ‘Stayin’ Alive’ by the Bee Gees or, if necessary, ‘Atemlos durch die Nacht’. It’s all about the rhythm: 103 beats per minute – and stamina. Any of the children who wanted to were allowed to have a go on one of the two CPR manikins afterwards.

For many a parent in the neighbouring lecture theatre – which was also packed to capacity – the lecture being broadcast there may well have served as a reminder of that long-postponed first-aid refresher course – and no doubt provided the odd ‘aha’ moment, for example, the answer to the question: who answers when you dial 911 – the number familiar from US television programmes – instead of 112.

“In this way, the Children’s University introduces people of all ages to the world of science,” says organiser Robin Biebl. “It’s great that, as we did on 9 March with Dr Händel, we’ve been able to attract speakers from outside the university who cover fascinating topics. By the way, we’re always open to suggestions for topics from our young and adult Children’s University visitors.”

The programme for 2024 has already been finalised, and it’s a cracking one – there are no fewer than ‘six + 2’ exciting events running until November: the four regular lectures, two ‘mini children’s universities’ on ‘Ketchup and Climate’ as part of the Night of Sciences on 31 May, a Children’s University away event at ‘Experimenting in the Park’ in Wilhelm-Ostwald Park in Großbothen on 5 June, and an outdoor ‘Summer University’ on 15 June.

Any child who is curious about science can take part. The next Children’s University session with lecturer Dr Marika Kaden on the topic ‘Superbrains – How does artificial intelligence actually work?’, taking place on 4 May, will once again be held at the Centre for Media and Social Work due to renovation work in the Gerhard Neumann Building. The Children’s University team asks that children be registered in advance. Registration will open on the Children’s University website from the end of March. If you subscribe to the Children’s University newsletter or follow the Children’s University on Instagram, you won’t miss any dates or important information.