Last week, the new sustainability degree program “Mensch-Umwelt-Technik” started at Chemnitz University of Technology. As part of this, the nature module “Umwelt – Theorie durch Praxis” took place for the first time on October 17.
After an introduction by Jan Reißmann (Chair of Machine Elements and Product Development) and Thomas Grund (Chair of Materials and Surface Technology), a role-playing game was used to change perspectives. Small groups slipped into the roles of a fox, a guide dog, an elderly woman, or a child. Equipped with maps, the students searched for a role-appropriate route to their destination, observing obstacles and special features of the environment from their respective perspectives. In subsequent presentations, they presented their route choices and reflected on their observations.
The module teaches sustainable behavior through direct experience of nature. Students gain insights into various natural domains, learn about natural material and energy cycles, and become familiar with processes influenced by humans. Based on the knowledge they gain, they can evaluate future knowledge in a targeted manner and apply it to real-life contexts.
