Science teacher Maja Brückmann explains what fascinates her about silicon.

"My favourite element is silicon, the second most common element in the earth's crust. For me, it stands for stability: we humans contain around 20 milligrams of silicon per kilogramme of body mass. We need it for the growth of bones, fingernails and hair. But electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops, which make our lives easier in many areas, also consist of silicon compounds. And last but not least, silicon in combination with oxygen is an artist: in the form of an agate stone, silicon dioxide is beautiful."