Extracurricular learning at :metabolon, location of research and innovation

Abstract

In the immediate vicinity of Cologne, in the Oberbergischer Kreis, a district in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the project :metabolon converted the former central Leppe landfill into a site of research and innovation. Supported by the European Regional Development Fund, an authentic site of education and learning could develop. The Oberbergischer and the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis as well as the Bergischer Abfallverband (BAV) are responsible for the project management. Due to its unique infrastructure with regard to research and knowledge transfer :metabolon has developed into a local, regional as well as international reference site of circular economy (circular value creation) and resource protection. The main goal is to communicate research results in a comprehensible way to the public. Based on facts, :metabolon sensitizes to topics of future relevance and creates awareness. The extracurricular place of learning offers a wide range of services, tools and events to choose from. There is something for all age groups. :metabolon addresses preschool children as well as schoolchildren from all the different types of schools. It further offers orientation to career and university studies and it provides adult education. Furthermore, the development of an educational kit on the topic of “Plastic and microplastic in the environment” is described illustrating how research results have directly found their way into education.