GSI and FAIR report positive holiday results – new offers for school classes are starting
More than 1200 visitors attended the SCIENCE POP-UP organized by GSI and FAIR in downtown Darmstadt during the 2026 summer holidays. In addition to the interactive exhibition on research with particle accelerators, the holiday program included workshops and a model of a neutron star.
The interactive space at Ernst-Ludwig-Straße 22 is thus entering its second summer. Originally, the SCIENCE POP-UP was only intended as a temporary project when it opened in March 2025. After several extensions, the program is now continuing permanently based on a long-term lease.
Neutron star and workshops during the summer holidays
Among the additional activities offered during the holidays was a model of a neutron star from Goethe University Frankfurt, with a diameter of approximately 60 centimeters. It illustrated the structure and research of these extremely dense celestial bodies to visitors.
Since the opening of the SCIENCE POP-UP, according to GSI and FAIR, more than 3000 neutron stars creatively designed by visitors in the hands-on room.
Over eight days, five different STEM-related workshop formats took place. Children and young people were able to, among other things, design their own models for 3D printing, build particle detectors from building blocks, gain initial experience with programming, and solder models of the GSI/FAIR accelerator facilities.
One workshop for adults focused on building their own detectors to measure ionizing radiation. The workshop program is scheduled to continue during the autumn holidays.
The student lab is offering appointments again
Even during the school term, the interactive exhibition remains open for spontaneous visits during regular opening hours. Larger groups can visit the SCIENCE POP-UP free of charge after prior registration.
Furthermore, appointments for the student laboratory are available again. An experiment is offered for advanced biology and chemistry courses in which radiation-induced DNA damage is investigated using gel electrophoresis.
School classes from the ninth grade onwards can book a laboratory day on particle physics. During this day, the students build cloud chambers, which can be used to visualize the tracks of particles.
Information on opening hours, events and other offers can be found on the GSI/FAIR website.
Featured image: Even during the holidays, numerous workshops on exciting STEM topics were offered. Photo: GSI
