Natural Scientist Competitions at Primary and Secondary Schools

The Haug-Taxis Foundation initiates nationwide Young Naturalists Competitions held annually at primary and secondary modern schools to inspire children and young people about environmental, nature, and animal protection. Within one school year, participating students independently work on a scientific topic from their general science curriculum. Both creative project work and systematic observations and scientific approaches are encouraged. Schools as well as individual learners can be recognized in various categories, thereby honoring outstanding commitment and creating further incentives for sustainable research.

The competition offers a low-threshold opportunity to deepen theoretical curriculum content through practical experiments and field observations. By awarding students and educational institutions, awareness of energy-efficient and climate-friendly solutions is strengthened, as is the joy of inquiry-based learning. Teachers receive accompanying materials and methodological impulses to make science lessons more varied. Ongoing registration opportunities ensure continuous participation, so that every school can contribute to the promotion regardless of the timing of initial contact. This initiative not only supports the development of subject-specific competencies but also makes a sustainable contribution to the environmental education of young people.