Doors Open with the Mouse: Discovering Physics Hands-On

Once a year, numerous organisations, companies and research institutions open their doors to curious children and families for the “Türen auf mit der Maus” event. On 3 October 2026, more than 30 young visitors explored the many facets of physics at the University of Cologne’s Physics Institutes – from tiny bacteria to the vastness of the Universe. The institutes of astrophysics, experimental physics, nuclear physics and biophysics put together a program that began with an introduction to biophysics and offered the children a variety of hands-on activities in small groups. Adults also had the opportunity to take a guided tour of Cologne’s very own particle accelerator.

From 3D-printed telescope models and homemade spectroscopes to bacteria in a research laboratory, the hands-on stations gave the children a glimpse into the diversity of physics. They learned how multiple telescopes work together to observe distant stars, how light reveals the composition of celestial objects, and how researchers study bacteria. They also experimented with a pendulum, explored oscillations and frequencies, and travelled through our Solar System using a VR headset. By building, measuring, observing and experimenting for themselves, the children discovered how science works in practice.

ML4Q Station: Using Sticky Tape to Create New Quantum Materials

How thin can a material get? At the ML4Q station, Leyla Gulieva from Annika Kurzmann’s research group showed how scientists at the Institute of Experimental Physics investigate special materials for quantum computers. The focus was on graphite and graphene: we are all familiar with graphite from pencil leads, but graphene consists of just a single, ultra-thin layer of carbon atoms. Using a surprisingly simple method, the children tried to produce these thin layers themselves. With ordinary sticky tape, they peeled increasingly thinner layers from the material. This technique, known as the Scotch-tape method, is also used in scientific research to obtain ultra-thin materials. The activity gave the children a glimpse into research on quantum materials, which could one day play an important role in quantum computers.

A heartfelt thank you to all the researchers and volunteers who made this day possible and showed the children how exciting it can be to explore the world through the eyes of science.