On 24 April 2013, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences’ Children’s University kicks off its next series with an exciting topic! Professor Dr Peter Kisters, Professor of Mechanical Engineering – specialising in product design – at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, explains the fundamental principles of mechanics in a way that children can understand.
Kleve/Kamp-Lintfort, 11 April 2013: As part of the lecture ‘Building bridges like Leonardo da Vinci’, children are taught how the ‘Leonardo Bridge’ is constructed and, with the aid of a model, are introduced to the fundamental principles of mechanics.
‘I know how to build very light bridges which can easily be transported from one place to another, and with the help of which it is often possible to pursue the enemy and put them to flight. These are very safe, fire-resistant and can withstand being submerged in water. They are easy to erect and dismantle.’
This is how the Italian artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) described his self-supporting bridge design, which is assembled from identical wooden components. The bridge sections are joined in such a way that no fasteners such as dowels, screws, nails or ropes are required. The construction principle utilises the so-called ‘self-locking mechanism’, whereby the system becomes more secure under load. But what is this and how does it work? This phenomenon and other everyday principles of mechanics underlying the construction of Leonardo’s bridges will be demonstrated and explained in the lecture.
The Children’s University.
Through the Children’s University, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences offers children aged between 8 and 12 the opportunity to develop a passion for the world of science through lectures (45 minutes) designed especially for them. Just like real students, they are given student ID cards. They sit in lecture theatres and can ask real professors all sorts of questions. The main difference from a proper degree programme is that there are no exams to sit.
Get involved!
Children keen to study at the Children’s University can attend either all the lectures or just individual ones. Admission is free. No registration is required. You can find the current lecture timetable for the Children’s University in the leaflet
