When scientists think outside the box for ideas on how to bring science to kids across the country they come up with a cube. And, they make a stop at Great Lakes Science Center!
More specifically it is a 22x10-foot retrofitted shipping container transformed into a mobile science lab called the Curiosity Cube™. The cube is based on the successful Curiosity Labs™ program, produced by MilliporeSigma.
The Curiosity Cube is currently traveling across the United States including Boston, Austin, St. Louis, Milwaukee and Washington, DC. Right now the cube is parked in front of the Great Lakes Science Center.
This mobile science lab is made possible by MilliporeSigma employee volunteers. They are helping to deliver hands-on, interactive science lessons and experiments to inspire students to explore a career in STEM.
The Curiosity Cube™ can accommodate approximately 100 visitors per hour and takes about 3-4 minutes for each experiment.
The kids learned about the role of DNA and the importance it plays in determining traits and characteristics through a hands-on DNA extraction and precipitation. They were also able to interact with individual cells through a touch screen.
The mobile lab had a section dedicated to the human brain as well. Participants could take a part and put together a model as well as interact with a virtual reality interface.
Finally, we watched as a 3D printer worked to create objects.
MilliporeSigma’s corporate responsibility strategy and its investment in Curiosity Labs™ is inspired by science industry experts who agree that hands-on laboratory experiences help spark student interest in science and prime them for interest in STEM careers.
With that in mind, MilliporeSigma’s goal is to spark scientific curiosity and passion early by cultivating breakthroughs and helping encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields.
MilliporeSigma also works with schools to enrich their curricula by applying to be a “Partner School.”
Lessons from the Curiosity Labs™ are designed to supplement existing classroom curriculum. Teachers can access a variety of lessons to choose that best fits for their class.
While the Curiosity Cube will be leaving the Cleveland area this week, the Great Lakes Science Center is open year round to get your science fix.
