For the third year in a row, Merck’s mobile science lab known as the Curiosity Cube has been traveling around Europe, sparking curiosity in STEM subjects among young minds. The innovative lab visited seven schools in west Suffolk and engaged over 600 pupils during its recent visit.
During the Haverhill Science Festival, pupils had the opportunity to explore sustainability experiments at the Curiosity Cube. The experiments focused on the lifecycle of a T-shirt, with activities such as examining fabric types through microscopes, creating windmills to power model t-shirt factories, and learning how to recycle old t-shirts into new ones using a threading machine.
Rachel Jacobs, quality manager at Merck Haverhill, was thrilled to volunteer at local schools and the science festival. She hopes that the Curiosity Cube will return next year to continue inspiring students in scientific exploration.
The solar-powered Curiosity Cube was launched in 2017 and travels around Europe to schools and public events, offering hands-on science experiences led by Merck scientists. The goal is to create curiosity in STEM fields and inspire participants to consider careers in science. By reaching diverse audiences, the Curiosity Cube aims to address the challenge of encouraging more voices in STEM.
By 2024, Merck’s Curiosity Cube plans to reach 45,000 pupils globally at 280 events in 14 countries. The European leg of the tour began in April and included countries like the United Kingdom, showcasing Merck’s commitment to inspiring future generations in STEM fields across Europe.
