Lab in a Box is a fully equipped, mobile research lab designed to engage and enthuse New Zealanders about science. Conceived by University of Otago’s Professor Peter Dearden, the portable research lab within a 20ft shipping container has hosted over 300 sessions across 52 schools since late 2015.
Touring the South Island until early 2017 before making its way through the North Island throughout the remainder of the year, Wellingtonians are now given a final chance to see first-class since communication at its’ best. Two full days of activities for local schools and the public have been organised for Wednesday 28 February and Thursday 1 March, outside the Beehive.
The science outreach platform has proven it’s ability to educate students, whānau and communities alike throughout Aotearoa with the support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employments Unlocking Curious Minds fund and the Dodd Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies, although it was unsuccessful in securing on-going funding from Curious Minds last year.
Otago Museum Science Communicators and researchers from around the country will run science shows, demonstrations and guide visitors through a series of hands-on science interactives throughout the day and into the evening.
Dr Craig Grant, Otago Museum Director, Programmes and Science Engagement, says “the Lab in a Box is an amazingly effective platform for getting kids of all ages intrigued by science. Wherever we’ve taken it the response has been “when can you come back?!” and with this being said, we are hoping to give Wellingtonians a last chance to check it out, and have pulled together some of our best science demos and science communicators to put on a bit of a showcase before it heads back south”.
For more information please contact:
Marketing Manager, Otago Museum
(03) 479 3279