2 days ago
Power cut cancels Wicklow school classes but Curiosity Cube saves day
Students who were destined for a day of learning at home were able to become scientists for the day at the Curiosity Cube, which is designed to make science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) accessible.
The retrofitted shipping container came to Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir for the fourth year as part of a Europe-wide tour.
The Life Sciences Volunteer team from Merck – the science and technology company driving the Curiosity Cube – reached out to the local community through WhatsApp and social media and invited other local schools, students, families and friends to work alongside Merck employees from Sigma-Aldrich Ltd, the primary centre for cGMP production of commercial and late-stage APIs and advanced intermediates.
In total, 130 children from Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir, their families and other local primary schools enjoyed an interactive day at the Curiosity Cube.
Throughout the visit, students from Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir and other local schools explored real-world science through three interactive experiments focused on the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI): image authenticity, pattern recognition and self-driving cars.
These hands-on activities were designed to show students how STEM is all around them and to equip them with critical thinking skills needed for future careers.
Site administrator for Merck's Sigma-Aldrich Ltd in Arklow, Sharon Kennedy, said: 'We love to have the Curiosity Cube back in Arklow every year, it means an awful lot to our local community and our colleagues that we are here every year visiting the schools.
'For four years and counting, the visit of the mobile science lab has always been making a big difference to not only us on site but also the students and the community in Arklow in general.'
Despite the growing demand for STEM professionals, many students struggle to see themselves in these careers. A recent survey funded by Merck found that nearly half (48pc) of middle school students find it difficult to envision themselves as scientists, despite engaging in STEM-related activities every day.
In 2024, the Curiosity Cube engaged more than 43,000 students across Europe and North America, visiting 14 countries and hosting 282 events.
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This year, the Curiosity Cube embarked on its fourth European tour, aiming to connect with 20,000 students via more than 130 events. Each stop on its tour is supported by employee volunteers who share their passion for science, providing students with real-world insights into STEM careers.
'Every student who walks into the Curiosity Cube walks away with a new way of looking at science,' Curiosity Cube coordinator Stefanie Rammer said.
'That spark of curiosity can make all the difference in shaping the scientists of tomorrow.'
