This is the central question behind kids4kids – a pilot project that explores new ways of fostering expert-lay communication and knowledge transfer. Together with researchers, students develop their own approaches to communicating science in ways that are accessible, creative, and conveyed through multiple channels and above all, at eye level, where engagement is strongest. Instead of simply listening, the kids ask their own questions, conduct interviews, set the focus, and actively shape the content. At the heart of the project is the topic bird migration – a fascinating phenomenon that kids of different ages explore and explain from their own perspectives. The core outputs of the project are a mobile exhibition and a podcast, both designed to bring science to life and to encourage audiences to think along, participate, and keep asking questions. kids4kids demonstrates that science communication can work differently: open, participatory, and closely aligned with the interests of young people.

Background and objectives

kids4kids bird migration is a pilot project by the Institute of Avian Research, carried out in cooperation with Neuen Gymnasium Wilhelmshaven. The project was funded by Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture. 

The aim of the project is to explore new approaches to science communication, with a particular focus on participation and shifting perspectives. At its core lies the idea of engaging children not only as a target audience but as active contributors to the communication of scientific knowledge. School students of different age groups engage with current research topics, develop their own focus, formulate their own questions, and communicate their findings in their own language and context.

The project is based on the observation that traditional formats of science communication often reach younger audiences only to a limited extent. At the same time, children tend to interpret content in different ways and communicate with each other in a manner that differs significantly from classic, often “top-down” communication approaches. kids4kids builds on this idea and asks: can kids themselves be the most effective communicators of science?

Miriam Liedvogel (Institute of Avian Research) und Wiebke Endres (Neues Gymnasium Wilhelmshaven) selected bird migration as the central topic – a complex yet fascinating and tangible field of research that often spans countries and even continents, and that is highly relevant to society, particularly in the context of environmental and climate change.

Formats and target audience

As part of the pilot project, two main formats were developed: a podcast and a mobile exhibition on bird migration. Both formats present scientific content from the perspective and in the voice of kids, inviting audiences to actively engage with research. At the same time, the project provides an opportunity to explore which channels and media are most effective for communicating scientific content and whether this varies depending on age group or learning style. kids4kids is aimed at school students of different age groups, educational institutions, and a broad interested public.

Curious to learn more?

Then tune in to the kids4kids Podcast and explore our mobile exhibition on bird migration.

You can find more information about borrowing our mobile exhibition here.