Our courses

How does fire arise? Which part of a candle does actually burn? And how does a fire-extinguisher work? In this course participants can explore many fire trivia. Finally, they build their own fire-extinguisher and test if its working. 

This course can only be booked by groups (from 8 up to 30 participants). It is suitable for children age 5 to 7 years. On request it can be adapted for age 8 to 9 years as well.

We recommend not to mix this two  age-groups as we approach them differently. Please give the age of the children in teh form field "message" on the registration form.

On your marks, research, go! How do scientists work in a lab? Why is green more than just an ordinary colour? How can we use baking powder to blow out a candle? Get all the answers in this exciting workshop.

NEW !

Water skimmers running on top of the water's surface - do you know how that works? And how is it that soap bubbles become perfectly round? Get the answers to these questions and much more at our enthralling workshop on liquids.

What do human cells look like? What about bacterial cells? What are cells made of and what functions do they have? Find the answers to these and more questions and build your own cell model.

Make DNA visible with a simple experiment! During this workshop you can create a special fridge magnet.

As a summer holiday activity, Vienna Open Lab is offering fun and challenging camps for science enthusiasts from age 11 to 13. For five days, use sophisticated laboratory equipment and perform experiments on your own (but guided by expert instructors)!

Lunch included!

€ 180 per person

Summer Science Camps 2013:
will be announced

What is DNA and where can it be found? Figure it out and isolate DNA from fruit and vegetables. Explore the genetic code and decipher a secret message!

Did you know that milk contains sugar? This is the reason why some people and most cats can not drink regular milk. In this workshop, you will remove that sugar with the help of an enzyme also found in human cells.

Observe green, small, thin, round or small models. Not on the catwalk, but under the microscope. Investigate worms, flies, bacteria, yeast and tetrahymena and find out about their lives and their secrets!

As a summer holiday activity, Vienna Open Lab is offering fun and challenging camps for science enthusiasts from age 14 to 16. For five days, use sophisticated laboratory equipment and perform experiments on your own (but guided by expert instructors)!

Lunch included!

€ 180 per person

Summer Science Camps 2013:
will be announced

At DNA studio, you will isolate DNA from cheek cells (which are found in saliva). You will also stain your cheek cells and examine them under the microscope.

Basics: see also "The Genome" (in German language)

This workshop revolves around polymerase chain reaction (PCR), one of the most important techniques used in modern molecular biology labs - its developers even earned a Nobel Prize! PCR is applied at DNA paternity tests, in order to diagnose diseases and has many more applications. Learn about different applications of this method and copy a plant gene by yourself!

What are plasmids and how are they used for genetic engineering? At the end of this workshop, you will be able to answer these questions. Work with molecular scissors to cut DNA and analyze the results using gel electrophoresis!

Basics: see also "Genetic Engineering: Methods" (in German language)

In this workshop the participants assume the role of a Federal Food Testing Agent trying to detect genetic modifications in food. In order to do so, DNA from different food samples will be isolated and analyzed via PCR. 

Act like a forensic scientist! You will be generating a genetic fingerprint out of DNA traces found at the site of a spectacular theft crime. Use DNA from different suspects to do so, employing polymerase chain reaction and gene chip analysis. In the end, it will be up to you to compare the suspects' DNA patterns with the DNA traces found at the crime scene and identify the criminal.

Basics: see also "Forensics" (in German language)

In Western civilizations, allergies have increased dramatically during the past decade: One out of five persons is allergic to certain foods or food ingredients.

But what does suffering from allergy mean? What happens inside the body during an allergic shock?

This workshop investigates the human immune system and the complex and interrelated processes controlling it. Detect traces of highly allergenic peanut-proteins in different foods! Isolate and analyze DNA employing PCR and gel electrophoresis!

Basics: see also "Red Biotechnology" (in German language)

In modern medicine, genetic testing is becoming increasingly important. There are even genetic tests for sale on the internet, marketed directly to consumers. People who hand in a sample may have a variety of genes analysed. Firms interpret the data and offer gene profiles regarding the consumers' susceptibility to certain illnesses, analysing traits, dietary factors or the clients' ancestry.
This is called direct-to-consumer (or DTC) genetic testing. There is no control by national health authorities or practitioners involved. If you are interested or would like to know more about this controversial topic, just play Decide with us!

Duration: 60 to 90 minutes, depending on group size.

We DO NOT play Decide inside the lab, but in a room next to it. Attention: no online bookings possible! Please call our office 01 / 790 44-4591 and make a reservation if you are interested in playing Decide.

More about PlayDecide (in German language)
Basics: see also: Genome and Genetic Testing on the Internet  - Opinion of the Austrian Bioethics Commission at the Federal Chancellery (in German language):
 

Find out why some people enjoy broccoli, while others can't stand it! During this workshop, you will investigate a human taste receptor gene for tasting certain bitter substances.

Due to variation - in other words, a single nucleotide difference - some people are unable to taste phenylthiourea (also called PTC).

Participants will score their own genotype and try to predict their tasting ability. Class results will show how well PTC tasting fits classical Mendelian genetics, and illustrate the modern concept of pharmacogenetics - where comparable genotypes are used to predict drug response.

Basics: see also "Genetic Testing" (in German language)