Cube brings curiosity to Cork kids
A science and tech company recently brought its Curiosity Cube back to Cork, delivering an innovative, hands-on science experience aimed at igniting curiosity and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
This year's theme focused on artificial intelligence (AI), giving primary school students the opportunity to explore how AI is shaping the world around us through experiments and engaging demos. Merck's Curiosity Cube is a retrofitted shipping container turned mobile science lab, which offers interactive STEM learning opportunities to local students and the wider community, bringing science to life in an engaging and accessible way.
The mobile science lab is equipped with practical science experiments led by Merck scientists, and is powered by 100% solar energy, harvested by the panels on its roof, reflecting Merck's commitment to sustainability and innovation in science education.
Mark Dunphy, Managing Director and Head of Cork Operations at Merck Life Science Ireland, expressed his enthusiasm: “At Merck, we are committed to nurturing talent and sparking curiosity for science in our communities. The Curiosity Cube exemplifies our dedication to making science accessible and exciting for all. By bringing real-world experiments directly to students, we hope to inspire young minds to ask questions, explore boldly, and consider careers in science and technology. This kind of STEM outreach has the power to shape futures.”
The Curiosity Cube tours across North America and Europe, making stops at schools, summer camps, and public venues such as parks, festivals, and museums.
During its visit to Cork, it engaged over 1,400 students and attendees in interactive experiments delivered by 58 dedicated Merck volunteers. It travelled across the two Merck sites, both Blarney and Carrigtwohill, from 3 June to 11 June, welcoming students, educators, and families to participate in a variety of science experiments and demonstrations.
Participating schools included Bunscoil Rinn an Chabhlaigh, Rushbrook; Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann, Midleton; Midleton CBS Boys Primary School; Scoil Mhuire Naofa, Carrigtwohill; and Scoil Chroí Íosa, Blarney.