School Kids Isolate Bacteria: Max-Planck Kinder-Uni 2026

Schoolchildren from Kirchhain and Treysa participated in the Max Planck Children's University in Marburg
 

For the third time, the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology offered around 200 schoolchildren the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of microbiological research. This year, fifth-grade classes from Schwalmgymnasium Treysa and sixth-grade classes from Alfred-Wegener-Schule in Kirchhain visited the institute on the Lahnberge hills in Marburg. Max Planck director Prof. Dr. Helge Bode explained why finding new natural compounds is so important. The students then had the opportunity to step into the role of researchers themselves: With the help of a team from the University of Marburg’s Botanical Garden, they collected plant samples and isolated bacteria.  

Most bacteria are not harmful but beneficial to humans. This was the central message of Professor Helge Bode’s lecture. The students listened attentively and engaged actively by responding to questions with coloured cards. 

The production of natural compounds by pigmented bacteria is of particular interest. Prof. Helge Bode’s department investigates how these bacteria assemble basic building blocks to produce diverse natural compounds and active substances, which serve as the foundation for many current antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals. Researchers employ synthetic biology to modify, optimize, or introduce new properties to these compounds.  

During the presentation, students observed agar plates displaying handprints taken before and after handwashing. They also learned that their participation could contribute to identifying bacteria with the potential to produce new antibiotics.

First, the bacteria had to be located. Fortunately, bacteria are ubiquitous—in water, soil, and on plants. A team from the University of Marburg’s Botanical Garden accompanied the students outdoors to collect live foliage and label their samples.  

Upon returning to the institute, numerous Max Planck Institute staff members assisted the young researchers in isolating bacteria from the leaf material. The samples were gently pressed onto agar plates to enable bacterial growth on the specialized culture medium. As the cultures require several days to become visible, all plates were carefully labelled.  

After the visit, students will receive photographs of their individual bacterial cultures to observe the results of their research.  

Prof. Dr. Helge Bode emphasizes that this day provides an important opportunity for the Max Planck Institute team to inspire young people to pursue research. “The fact that students can contribute to the development of new antibiotics through this programme may motivate them in the long term. Additionally, students interact with international researchers and experience firsthand that research is both international and interdisciplinary.”  

Numerous collaborations in and around Marburg promote STEM education. Notably, the Max Planck Institute cooperates with the Schülerforschungszentrum Mittelhessen (Central Hesse Student Research Centre). This initiative aims to provide students with early exposure to STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and to convey the appeal of science.  

The Max Planck Children’s University is held annually and is open to all schools in the region and beyond. Registration occurs on a group basis through the institute’s press office. The programme targets students in Years 5 and 6 from all school types. Each event day accommodates up to 240 students divided into two separate session groups. Information about the next date will be published starting January 2027. https://www.mpi-marburg.mpg.de/1200749/angebote-fuer-schulen.