Opening up the world of science

The laboratory at Aalto University Junior buzzes with excitement as a group of fifth-graders build the cars of the future. Building a scale model of a hydrogen-powered car teaches the kids about solutions to the environmental impacts of transportation – not to mention hydrogen combustion and the operating principle of a fuel cell.

The excited group is led by their teacher, Marianne Wolff. A bus brought them from Westendinpuisto Primary School to the Aalto Junior premises at the School of Chemical Engineering on the Otaniemi campus. Wolff has been an active user of Aalto Junior’s services for years.

‘Learning-by-doing is by far the best kind of activity for primary school children. Children find it inspiring when they’re occasionally taught by someone other than their own teacher,’ says Wolff.

The kids work in a real lab under the guidance of Aalto students. The teaching – which is free for school groups – focuses on STEAM+ subjects: science, technology, engineering, arts, maths, or economics and business.

The highlights Wolff recalls best from her numerous visits to Aalto Junior include running acid-base tests, assembling ‘gizmos’, attending a lecture on the water cycle, and electrical workshops. Optional primary school art studies can also easily be combined with Aalto Junior activities.

There are activities for all age groups, from primary to secondary school students. Aalto Junior also arranges researcher