Merck's Curiosity Cube mobile science lab will reach 45,000 students in 14 countries, teaching sustainability lessons in STEM.
Merck has officially kicked off its Curiosity Cube 2024 global tour. The solar-powered containers, transformed into mobile science laboratories, will visit European and North American communities. The company's ultimate goal is to engage 45,000 students to increase access to STEM education through interactive science experiences.
“Recent data shows students between 8 and 13 years old are interested in science and math, with most calling these subjects fun and exciting. Yet, this interest and enthusiasm is not translating into students pursuing STEM careers, as they find it hard to see themselves as scientists. Our Curiosity Cube encourages children’s scientific curiosity with hands-on experiments showcasing real-world applications. Students also meet our employees, who can be role models for the incredible range of STEM careers that are possible,” has stated Tim Jaeger, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer for the Life Science business sector of Merck.
Hands-on experiments are conducted by local Merck employees at each stop, leading sustainability-focused lessons, including:
- Know synthetic and natural fibres, examining them under a microscope and classifying them based on their level of sustainability;
- Design and test a windmill that produces enough renewable energy to power a factory;
- Use a sewing machine to learn how to sort old clothing, shred it into fibres, and spin it again into new clothing.
In addition, the Curiosity Cube will host 150 events. Stops include Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. In North America, the Curiosity Cube has already embarked on its sixth tour, with 137 events across the United States and Canada – underscoring the company's commitment to the communities where many of its employees live and work.