Merck, a multinational science and technology company based in Germany, has launched its Curiosity Cube tour for 2023 in Europe and North America.
The Curiosity Cube is a retrofitted shipping container that provides hands-on experiments in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math) for students. This year, the Cube will engage with 45,000 students in schools and public spaces through more than 250 events across 11 European countries and North America. Merck employees will lead all experiments, giving visitors the opportunity to interact with real-life scientists and learn about STEM careers.
“In recent years, there has been considerable concern regarding a shortage of STEM professionals. As a science and technology company, we want to help spark curiosity in children and young people for the fascinating world of science,” said Meeta Gulyani, Head of Strategy, Business Development and Sustainability for the Life Science business sector of Merck. “That’s why our Curiosity Cube will continue its world tour to make science accessible and interactive, while also demonstrating all the possibilities that the life science field has to offer.”
This year's Curiosity Cube will feature a new curriculum, offering students the chance to engage with technology such as virtual reality (VR) to make learning more fun and engaging. Students will conduct experiments on contaminants and get a glimpse into the world of a scientist.
They will explore evidence of environmental contamination in various samples and learn how conservationists try to reduce the negative environmental impact of contamination. They will also use VR technology to discover the contaminants commonly found on classroom surfaces and learn how to stop their spread. Finally, they will use scientific instruments to conduct quality control tests on various beverages and determine if any contaminants are present.
This is the second time the Curiosity Cube has toured Europe, with stops planned in Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. In North America, the Cube is already on its fifth tour, with 124 events across the US and Canada, including cities like Austin, Boston, Cleveland, Houston, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Seattle, St. Louis, Toronto, and more.
