Navigation

Offering hands-on science, our booth was a major hit with visitors of all ages. Guests enjoyed a diverse program that put the spotlight on experiential learning and interactive participation. A particular crowd-pleaser was the "bark beetle under the magnifying glass": alongside an impressive larger-than-life model, visitors could examine real bark beetles under the microscope. This vividly illustrated why this tiny insect, aided by prolonged droughts, has such an easy time and is ultimately just the messenger of a much deeper crisis.

Our drone footage provided a true change of perspective. While very few people look all the way up during a normal walk in the woods, these recordings revealed exactly what is happening in the tree canopies long before the damage becomes visible on the ground. Shaping the future was also a key topic: using various scenarios from forest growth models, the JKI engaged with visitors in discussions about who the forest of tomorrow should be sustainable and liveable for. The exhibit was rounded out by interactive elements such as a tree-ring puzzle, tricky guessing games, and the chance to discover the fascinating world of forest soil under the microscope—hands-on activities that were highly encouraged and enthusiastically received by our guests.