Flying high with a weather probe: GorbitzDialog on 25.09.2024

The core objectives of the "GorbitzDialog" cooperation project between Dresden-Gorbitz secondary school and TU Dresden are to facilitate exchanges between pupils and scientists, raise awareness of science in the (district) community and promote STEM subjects. The last dialog event on 25 September 2024 focused on the meteorological phenomenon of ground-level cold air currents, which can cool down cities like Dresden, especially on hot summer nights. These are therefore particularly relevant for the urban climate in times of increased overheating.

Pupils from the science profile of year 9 presented their project to measure such currents in the Gorbitz district using a probe, some of which they had made themselves, in a dialog they moderated. They then entered into a lively discussion with Dr. Ronald Queck, research associate at the Chair of Meteorology at TU Dresden. They discussed the aims and methods of the project and the problems the students encountered during the project phase. The evening, which was attended by numerous members of the school community, was enriched by an in-depth presentation by Dr. Queck. He spoke about current developments and forecasts for measuring cold air currents using the example of Dresden. Dr. Queck also highlighted the contribution that cold air currents make to mitigating inner-city overheating with the help of the city of Dresden's themed city map.

With the "GorbitzDialog" project, schoolchildren can make their own first science-related experiences on STEM topics (Mathematics, Information Technology, Natural Sciences and Technology) visible. The project takes place twice a year and will next take place on March 19, 2025 at Dresden-Gorbitz secondary school.