Merlin Innovation Award
20. February 2025
Microplastic affects us all
5. March 2025
Added value and multiplication: how WASoMI Lab aims to educate and grow
The first digital information event on the WASoMI Lab education project took place on January 28, 2025. Teachers, multipliers from the education sector, and interested parties from all over Germany and Switzerland listened intently to Katrin Schuhen and Maike Gruber as they presented all aspects of WASoMI education.
Looking back: WASoMi Lab began in December 2024
The WASoMI Lab educational project was launched back in December 2024 with the help of start-up funding from the E.ON Foundation. The aim of the project, which will be implemented over the next six months, is to create an indoor and outdoor learning space on water without microplastics.
The focus of WASoMI Lab is active participation in microplastic mapping. Pupils participate in research and are an active part of data collection. Imparting knowledge about water, wastewater, and microplastics is also an important component of WASoMI Lab.
Up-to-date knowledge about water and microplastics
“At Wasser 3.0, we have set ourselves the task of closing knowledge gaps and ensuring that the knowledge acquired is also understood,” explains Katrin Schuhen, ”which is why it is important to us to share this knowledge in a way that is appropriate for the target group and age group. There are already numerous offers for pupils and teachers that can be used free of charge.”
The WASoMI knowledge platform has a multi-dimensional structure. The global environmental pollution of our waters by microplastics can be used as an introduction. Cross-entry points are possible at any time, as is a “deep dive” to explore the topic in depth. The materials are prepared in a contemporary and always up-to-date manner, and our blog provides information on the latest developments and news.
One highlight of the education section is the WASoMI digital learning and experience world, which has been available since 2022. It provides insights into the diversity of the topic of plastic and microplastics in the environment in small micro-learning units and was designed as a virtual “museum visit”. Each visitor can move freely and at their own pace and thus approach the topic of plastic and microplastics in the environment in different ways.
The mix of methods provided between text, images and videos (YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn), as well as digital and analog, enables everyone to learn, independent of time and place. Students and teachers can study about real action across all subjects throughout the school year. Everyone has unrestricted access to educational content and teaching materials 365 days a year.
From problem to solution - not a one-way street
WASoMI is designed to encourage and motivate children and young people to get involved. In addition to working together to develop everyday solutions, pupils can now also get their first taste of basic research.
A core element of experimental research and transfer is our analytical method, which makes it possible to determine microplastic concentrations in water quickly, easily and efficiently. Sampling is carried out according to a standardized protocol. Students help to take water samples from their regional water body and send them to the Wasser 3.0 laboratory. The results are presented in the Global Map of Microplastics and provide the basis for initiating further steps in the direction of politics, science, business and society.
Sampling at the river with easy instructions © Wasser 3.0
After the event is before the event
The information event was the first of its kind. Following the consistently positive feedback, we are already working on finding further dates to introduce interested parties to our education sector.
The Q&A session and constructive feedback will enable us to organize future events in an even more effective and targeted manner. Many of the participants' interest went beyond the event itself. We are already engaged in a wide-ranging exchange about support options and integration into everyday school life.
The event was very informative. Especially their approach of involving the children so actively. I think that's a great way to achieve change.
I teach chemistry and there isn't much on this topic for middle school yet. Thank you very much, I am very inspired.
And this is how WASoMI Lab continues
The educational content of WASoMI Lab is currently designed for secondary schools. Our agenda includes designing a workbook and preparing our content in an age-appropriate way to expose children and young people to the topic of “water, wastewater, and microplastics” even earlier.
In 2025, we will be sampling selected rivers for microplastics from the mouth to the source with the help of schoolchildren, multipliers and interested parties.
The kick-off will take place in the first week of March on the Alb (from Karlsruhe to Bad Herrenalb, 55 km). This sampling can be carried out thanks to the support of our Partner in Mission Carl Roth.
In May, we will be sampling the Queich (Wörth to Hauenstein, approx. 55 km) together with interested school classes from Landau and the surrounding area. The next online webinar will be on 29th April | 19.00 – 20.00. You can register here.
We are still looking for a sponsor for this river. Are you interested in providing pupils with access to experimental education on water without microplastics and supporting the data collection? Then we have more information for you here.
