Participating schools:
Fényi Gyula Jezsuita Gimnázium, Miskolc, Hungary;
Kostka publiczne liceum, Cracow, Poland;
pGRG Kollegium Kalksburg, Vienna, Austria
Participants via online in meeting in Vienna:
Chirumalar School, Vellakulam, Tamil Nadu – India
Erasmus+-Meeting in Miskolc, Hungary, Oct 3rd – Oct 7th 2022
Erasmus+ is a once in a lifetime opportunity for cultural exchange, making friends abroad and gaining scientific expertise. The first of the three meetings was held in Miskolc, Hungary. Living in host families gave an insight on a new culture and a different lifestyle. We were glad to be taught typical folk dances, taste traditional dishes and to visit different sights. We shared differences and similarities between Hungary, Poland and Austria on the way of living and the educational system. Debating and group bonding activities gave us the chance to make new friends and exchange opinions and perspectives. We improved our environmental consciousness, by working on group project together, since it affects the youth all over the world. We gained expertise on the topics of zero waste management, circular economy and the pros and cons of bioethanol, which is the scientific main focus. We had discussions, debates, quizzes and an amazing lecture about the topic. The trip to the university of Miskolc showed us the everyday life in a laboratory for bioethanol and helped us gain an understanding for research work. Reflecting on our benefits of the week we discussed the results on the last day. Overall it was a great experience and we were happy to have been part of the project.
Group pictures
Erasmus+-Meeting in Vienna, Austria, Jan 23rd – Jan 27th 2023
During the meeting in Vienna we produced Bioethanol out of starch and also cellulose. We added enzymes which split up the polysaccharides to single glucose molecules. This glucose concentration was measured with photometry. After yeast was added which fermented glucose to ethanol, this ethanol was distilled and put into an ethanol fuel cell.
For the first time an Indian school (Chirumalar School, Vellakulam, South of India) participated online during parts of the meeting (presentations of theory of the experiment). We even did the experiment together – online! We measured the glucose concentration with glucose test stripes together in a video conference.
Beside this we had a lecture on circular economy of DI Koch of BOKU university and did a trip to the city center and visited the museum “Schatzkammer” together.
Group pictures
Erasmus+-Meeting in Cracow, Poland, April 24th – April 28th 2023
From April 17th to April 21st 2023 the Erasmus+-group met in Krakow (Kostka Publiczne Liceum). After a repetition of the experiment done in Vienna a sculpture made by the Austrian team was shown. We also wrote and recorded a song with lyrics about the topic bioethanol. This was a lot of fun.
During the next days chemical properties of ethanol were examined and a reflection of the project was done.
Additionally we finished our project home page and had an excursion to the polish mountains where we explored the botany and geology of this region. Another afternoon we visited the city of Krakow and a waste thermal power plant. Polish culture was not only learned but experienced by living in host families and e.g. learning a polish folk dance.
It was great experience to learn and work together with our new friends.
Visit of Sr. Priya (Chirumalar School, India) to Kollegium Kalksburg (Vienna)
On October 3rd Sr. Priya, the chemistry teacher of the Chirumalar school, Vellakulam, India visited Kollegium Kalksburg. We were very happy to get to know each other personally and looking forward to further experiments done together by the students (online). We thank for support (financing and organisation): Pfarre zur Frohen Botschaft and Project Vanakkam.
Erasmus+-meeting in Miskolc, Hungary, Oct 16th – Oct 20th 2023
The meeting in Miskolc, Hungary took place from October 16th to October 20th 2024. Working in internationally mixed groups we did a research about the structure of DNA, transcription, translation, electrophoresis and RFLP-mechanism. Afterwards we presented our results with a Power Point Presentation. The experimental separation of food dye with electrophoresis and the evaluation of the results built an important foundation for the future experiments at the meetings in Vienna and Krakow. A visit to the life-science university with a tour through their laboratories gave us more insight into the different fields of biotechnology. We participated in a parliamentary style debate about the ethical aspects of genetic engineering. The meeting was completed by an evaluation and reflection of the acquired knowledge and competences.
Different kinds of group activities, trips to the cities of Miskolc and Debrecen provided us with a deeper insight of Hungarian culture. Furthermore, by living in host families we gained a better understanding on everyday life in Hungary.
During the whole project students used English as a working language which enabled us both to improve our communication skills and learn new academic and scientific vocabulary.
We are looking forward to seeing our newfound friends in the meetings in Vienna and Krakow!
Erasmus+ – Meeting in Vienna, Austria, Jan 29th– Feb 2nd 2024
During the Erasmus+ 2024 week in Vienna we carried out experiments on electrophoresis with different equipment in internationally mixed small groups. Thanks to presentations from students from Vienna, Hungary, Poland and India (online), we learned about the basics and applications of electrophoresis. Then we had to make our own gels out of agarose combined with a TAE-Buffer which was heated up and cooled down again until it formed a net. The next morning, we were able to complete the experiment by splitting up different colours of ink via an electrophoresis. Furthermore, by applying voltage to the chamber, we observed an electrolysis occurring at the anode and cathode. Notably, some ink dyes moved faster due to their smaller size. We concluded by comparing different electrophoresis chamber styles.
The meeting also featured a presentation and discussion on medical ethics by DDr. Matthias Beck. To introduce the international students to Viennese culture we visited the Albertina and other renowned tourist destinations in Vienna. By presenting our countries and living in host families, we managed to gain a better understanding of each other.
Erasmus+ – Meeting in Cracow, Poland, April 8th – April 12th 2024
During this meeting we got a deeper insight into the structure of DNA. We worked together in small groups constructing a DNA-ladder (which group would manage to get the longest?) and combining it into a huge „Erasmus+-ladder“.
Afterwards, we did a paper-simulation of an enzymatic cutting of DNA by RFLP-mechanism and separated the different parts of DNA by electrophoresis. This was very simple and very effective – and equally a very good method to implement in classes at home.
During a lab workshop at the University of Cracow, we did an experiment on CRISPR/Cas9 and had an introduction to bioinformatics. This gave us a first impression of possible further research.
In addition, we also enjoyed several excursions, including a salt mine, the historic center of Cracow and – as a highlight – Cracow eye with a beautiful view of Cracow. Before saying our goodbyes, we organised a cultural event learning a Polish dance, getting to know Hungarian inventions and singing Austrian songs. At the end, we reflected on the meeting, on what we had learned and gained for our future.
Erasmus+ 