The teacher training session began with a presentation by Ulrich Foelsche from the Wegener Institute at the University of Graz. He provided an overview of the latest scientific findings on glaciers, climate trends and the effects of climate change on Alpine regions.

Philipp Spitzer from the University of Graz then guided the participants through the so-called ‘glacier laboratory’, which was developed in collaboration between the University of Graz and the Kaiserschild Foundation for upper secondary school pupils as part of the ‘Science Workshop: Learning Laboratories’ programme. The glacier laboratory is an extracurricular outdoor learning venue where experiments and measuring equipment are carried directly into the field in rucksacks.

During the training session, the teachers were able to try out all the experiments that the pupils will soon be carrying out themselves: together, for example, they dug a hole to reach the glacier, measured electrical conductivity and took a water sample. Using cola and gummy bears, the teachers were also able to experience for themselves how taste perception changes noticeably as air pressure decreases. Special thanks go to Ingrid Krumphals for leading this training series to date; the role is now being handed over to Stefan Gritsch.