Project X-Garden Inspires Young People to Explore Engineering and Aviation Technology

With the AeroLab of the EU-funded educational project Grenzüberschreitende Experimentiergärten, a binational student camp on aviation was successfully implemented for the first time. More than 20 students from Eastern Saxony and Poland participated within the framework of the Interreg Poland–Saxony funded initiative and engaged intensively with fundamental questions in aeronautical engineering.
The camp aimed to convey technical understanding through hands-on learning and to raise early awareness of engineering disciplines among young people. The program focused on three main thematic areas: the design and construction of model aircraft, experimental investigations of propulsion systems and the determination of aerodynamic forces, as well as issues related to circular economy and modern composite technologies

Under professional guidance, the participants worked in teams to develop electrically powered RC aircraft models. The process included conceptual design, manufacturing of individual components, and experimental testing. Core engineering principles were illustrated in a practical context and directly applied throughout the project.
A particular highlight was the flight testing phase at the Klix glider airfield near Bautzen. The developed models were tested under real conditions, allowing students to evaluate performance and reflect critically on their designs. The analysis of flight data enabled them to identify optimization potential and further refine their constructions.

In addition to the hands-on project work, the participants gained insights into current research and technological developments. During visits to the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) at TU Dresden and the Dresden Transport Museum, they experienced the close interconnection between fundamental knowledge, applied research, and industrial practice.
Beyond technical qualification, international exchange played a central role. The camp created a space for collaboration across linguistic and national borders and strengthened teamwork, problem-solving skills, and confidence in participants’ own technical creativity.

With the successful implementation of the X-Garden AeroLab, a new format for cross-border STEM outreach has been established. The program contributes to the early development of technical competencies in the German–Polish border region and provides a solid foundation for its continuous advancement. The participating partners regard the positive feedback as confirmation of the concept and look ahead to the upcoming project phases with strong motivation.

The X-Garden AeroLab was implemented within the framework of the Interreg Poland–Saxony programme. The organizers gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as well as the commitment of all project partners who contributed to the successful realization of the camp.