Leicester scientists set to visit schools as part of a mobile science lab designed to spark students’ interest in STEM subjects
The Curiosity Cube or mobile laboratory which will be travelling to schools
A traveling mobile science lab developed and created by science and technology company Merck, is set to spark the interest of Leicestershire’s young people when it comes to visit.
Known as the Curiosity Cube, the novel mobile science lab aims to engage hundreds of pupils in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects when it drops into Beaumont Leys, Madani Boys and Girls Schools, in Leicester, and De Lisle College in Loughborough this month (Sep).
Pupils will explore sustainability through a host of experiments centred around the lifecycle of a t-shirt with the help of scientists from the University of Leicester and experts from Merck.
Among the experiments will include investigating different clothing fabric types under a microscope, designing and testing windmills capable of powering model t-shirt factories and learning how to recycle an old t-shirt into a new one using a threading machine.
The University of Leicester’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Nishan Canagarajah explains that: “Inspiring children and young people to engage with STEM subjects at school and throughout their further education is key to helping them understand the world around them, and in realising their aspirations to become our next generation of STEM leaders. The University of Leicester is dedicated to widening participation for all and we are delighted to partner with Merck, a leading life science industry partner, to help Leicestershire students develop their passion for science, technology and mathematics.”
It’s the first time that Merck’s Curiosity Cube has been to Leicestershire and the University's Institute for Precision Health has teamed up with the Charnwood Campus Science Innovation and Technology Park to help host the Curiosity Cube at local schools and ensure it delivers as much engaging and relevant content to our young people as possible.
Launched in North America in 2017, the Merck Curiosity Cube program, which is now solar powered, has expanded, traveling to schools, science museums and public events across Europe since 2022.
Stefanie Rammer, Merck’s Curiosity Cube Program Lead for Europe, said: “With Merck’s Curiosity Cube program, our mission is to spark curiosity for the next generation of scientists around the world. Through hands-on learning, students can engage in real-world science experiments with real-life scientists, learning first-hand about STEM careers right in their own communities. Watching students have their ‘aha!’ moment is the most rewarding part of the day in the Curiosity Cube, and we’re thrilled to partner with the University of Leicester to help make this possible.”
According to research conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Merck, 64% of students have dreamed about a career that uses science or maths, but 48% find it hard to see themselves as a scientist, despite having a curiosity for STEM.