FIZ CHEMIE Berlin and the University of Applied Sciences Wildau will show "New Paths through the Training Jungle" at the chemical trade fair ACHEMA 2009 May 11th-15th in Frankfurt am Main. Stand F13-G14 in Hall 4.2 has 180 m² of exhibition space in which the partners will demonstrate how imparting knowledge of chemical application R&D can be combined with entertainment, a technique known as "edutainment". Interactive digital media (pictures, sound, video and animations) are combined with elements of entertainment to result in learning and fun for vocational training.

The University of Applied Sciences Wildau will present the latest research and development work with real equipment for chemical process and biosystems technology operating at the exhibition stand. Visitors to the event can use terminals to monitor what happens in an injection molding machine as it produces chips for shopping carts, or measure alcohol with a breathalyzer, and observe the processes in a biofuel cell or a fermenter. In parallel they can learn at terminals which chemical and technical processes are behind it all. The multimedia editorial service of FIZ CHEMIE Berlin has prepared the processes for representation in multimedia learning modules on the terminals. They explain the processes and invite a deeper examination of the areas of research with supplemental background information provided. For example, a quiz at the terminal provides entertainment and motivation as it shows interested persons their own level of knowledge and provides answers to fill in the gaps.

The learning modules are embedded in the learning encyclopedia ChemgaPedia, which FIZ CHEMIE Berlin has provided on the Internet for schools as well as institutes for research and higher education. This enables visitors to the trade fair to take home virtually acquired knowledge of lasting interest and value. With 16,000 content pages and more than 10,000 users each day in research, science, education and industry, ChemgaPedia is the largest and most utilized teaching platform on the Internet in the German language. The platform offers scientific and technical training material for chemistry and related disciplines.