Fueling Curiosity: MilliporeSigma's Mobile Lab is Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists
With hands-on learning experiences being more crucial than ever, MilliporeSigma has a unique approach to STEM education with the Curiosity Cube. This 22×10 foot shipping container turned mobile lab is set to captivate students across North America and Europe.
What’s green, on wheels, and hard to miss? MilliporeSigma’s Curiosity Cube which rolled through Rockville last week as part of its North America tour.
With the slogan “Breakthroughs begin with curiosity,” MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KgaA, Darmstadt, Germany, retrofitted a 22x10-foot shipping container to a science lab to answer the pressing need for accessible STEM education.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The Curiosity Cube program began in 2017 as a platform to increase access to science education for 8-13-year-old students. Since its inception, the program has reached thousands of young minds, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial interaction.
By bringing hands-on science experiences to communities, especially those that don’t always have access to STEM resources, MilliporeSigma isn’t just teaching- they’re changing how people see science and opening up new opportunities. In a world where understanding science is more important than ever, projects like the Curiosity Cube are setting the standard for making STEM education engaging and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
In 2023, a whopping 95% of the U.S. schools visited by the mobile lab were classified as Title I, serving high percentages of children from low-income families. This focus on underserved communities ensures that the program reaches those who might benefit the most from additional educational resources. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs are expected to grow twice as fast as non-STEM jobs in the U.S., making early exposure to these fields crucial for students' future success.
Despite the promising outlook for STEM careers, many young people don’t realize the variety of opportunities available in these fields. A Wakefield Research study conducted for MilliporeSigma found that 64% of students have considered a science or math career, but 48% still struggle to see themselves as scientists, irrespective of their curiosity. This highlights the importance of initiatives like the Curiosity Cube in bridging the gap between interest and self-perception. By providing students with role models and mentors who reflect the diversity in science, the program helps to break down stereotypes and inspire confidence.
Inside the Curiosity Cube
Stepping inside the Curiosity Cube, you enter a world of scientific discovery. The mobile lab is not just a high-tech classroom; it’s a 22x10-foot, revamped shipping container meant to give students hands-on experiences that go beyond the classroom. The mobile lab is equipped with modular electronics, digital microscopes, and other scientific tools that aim to ignite passion and help shape the curious minds of the innovators.
What truly sets the Curiosity Cube apart from traditional labs is its focus on real-world applications. Each visit is customized to cover topics that matter to the local community, whether it’s environmental sustainability or biomedical research. The lab and experiments are led by MilliporeSigma employees from the local area, offering students a chance to learn directly from real scientists and learn more about what it’s like to pursue a career in STEM.
Some ongoing experiments include exploring more sustainable fabrics, where students can investigate various synthetic and natural fabrics used in fashion, assess their sustainability, and learn about their environmental impact. Students also have the opportunity to design a windmill to generate renewable energy, aiming to power a model t-shirt factory and understand the principles of sustainable manufacturing.
To learn more about these and other exciting experiments, visit TheCuriosityCube.com.
To Rockville & Beyond
Missed last week? The good news is that the learning doesn’t stop when the Curiosity Cube rolls away.
Its 2024 North America tour continues to Allentown, PA (9/12-9/17), New York, NY (9/19-9/20), and Boston, MA (9/25-10/5) before heading west to Wisconsin this October and south to Texas this November.
Through the Curiosity Cube app, MilliporeSigma extends the experience online- available to you through TheCuriosityCube.com. This interactive platform brings the chance of scientific discovery right to the students’ fingertips. With exclusive insights from MilliporeSigma scientists and virtual experiments, the app makes sure that the spirit of curiosity is fueled long after the cube has left town. Also, be sure to check out and follow the Curiosity Cube on Instagram and #SPARKCuriosity.
