The innovative Kinder-Uni (Children's University), program at the University of Tübingen in Germany is a series of lectures designed to interest kids in studying science. Each lecture features one question and is aimed at a target audience of 8-12 year olds. This unique model has inspired other educational institutions and there are now approximately 70 similar programs across Germany and neighboring countries and the best lectures have been published in book format.

The lecture series has tackled questions such as & "Why do volcanoes erupt?" and "Why don't the stars fall from the sky?" and even attracted a Nobel Prize winner who posed the demanding question "Why is one not allowed to clone human beings?"

Children find the lectures fun, interesting and challenging, while at the same time stimulating their interest in disciplines such as astronomy, philosophy and archaeology.

Written by Christian Pälchen