Double success for STEM youth promotion in the Saarpfalz district: In the statewide student competition "WAS – saarstoff," two schools from the district achieved first places – the FGTS of the Galileo School Community School and Bexbach Primary School, as well as the von-der-Leyen Gymnasium in Blieskastel. During the live presentation and award ceremony, both teams impressed with creative ideas around the future topic of hydrogen. A great achievement by the young talents.
The competition is organized by the Saarland Hydrogen Agency H₂Saar GmbH together with the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Digital Affairs and Energy of Saarland and makes the topic of hydrogen tangible for children and young people.
FGTS Primary School Bexbach: First place with hydrogen buses for student transportation
In the primary school category, the children of the FGTS at Bexbach Primary School took first place. Under the title "Our Idea," they developed a concept for climate-friendly student transportation: conventional school buses emit a lot of CO₂ – the students propose replacing these with hydrogen buses, initially on the Bexbach routes 505 and 508, and gradually on further routes in the Saarpfalz district. The result: no emissions, less noise, and clean air for everyone. The children also considered that the hydrogen should be produced environmentally friendly from solar and wind energy and that a hydrogen refueling station would be needed in the region, as well as possible local implementation partners, such as the municipal utilities of Bexbach. The project was developed under the guidance of Anastasia Nikiforova. As the sponsor of the institution, the Gesellschaft für Aus- und Weiterbildung des Saarpfalz-Kreises (GAW gGmbH) promotes STEM education in the region and is very pleased with the award. Thanks go to them and the entire team – and of course to the children who convinced with their idea.
Von-der-Leyen-Gymnasium Blieskastel: First Place for Hydrogen via Actionbound
At the secondary schools, the students of the Von der Leyen Gymnasium secured one of two first places, each awarded with 500 euros. The fifth graders developed a digital Actionbound on the topic of hydrogen in the city of Blieskastel and implemented it on site. Each station is connected to the next puzzle via a barcode – and along the way, participants learn a lot about hydrogen: from production to transport to application. This turns a complex technology topic into an interactive discovery tour through the city. The STEM club is supported in cooperation between the school and the Saarpfalz district.
District Administrator Frank John expressed pride in the young award winners: "What our students have achieved here is impressive. They consistently incorporate the energy transition from the school bus to the city rally – creatively, thoroughly, and with a genuine connection to our region. This enthusiasm for science and technology is exactly what we need in the Saarpfalz district. My heartfelt congratulations go to both schools, the dedicated teachers, and especially to the children themselves."
The Saarpfalz district sees the awards as a confirmation of its strategy to anchor STEM topics early, practically, and with a regional focus in schools and its media center+ in Blieskastel – thus inspiring children and young people for natural sciences, technology, and future issues such as the energy transition.
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Photos: Carsten SIMON
Caption: Hydrogen Award Ceremony at the Bexbach Community School
Caption: Hydrogen Award presentation to the Von der Leyen Gymnasium
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