Nearly 500 pupils from four schools became 'sustainability scientists' during a visit from the Curiosity Cube.

497 students from Greyfriars Catholic School, St Frideswides, St Christopher’s, and St John Fisher in Oxford had the opportunity to become scientists alongside Merck employees and scientists from the University of Oxford.

The four-day stop was in partnership with the Department of Chemistry of the university.

During their visit, students participated in three hands-on experiments about sustainability based on the lifecycle of a t-shirt.

Using modular electronics and other scientific instruments, the students became sustainability scientists by examining different types of synthetic and natural fabrics used in the fashion industry with microscopes and categorising them based on their level of sustainability.

They also designed and tested a windmill that produces enough renewable energy to power a model t-shirt factory and explored the process of recycling an old t-shirt into a new one by building a threading machine.

The students learned how old clothing can be sorted, shredded into fibres, and re-spun into thread for new garments.

The Curiosity Cube, launched in 2017, is a seven by two-and-a-half metre solar-powered shipping container.

It travels to schools and public events to reach future scientists.

At each event, participants learn how science is all around them through lessons led by scientists.

The aim is to excite students by opening their eyes to the many possibilities of what a career in science may look like.

The Cube also addresses a growing concern for the STEM industry: the need for a robust and diverse pipeline of voices for the increasing number of STEM jobs that will become available in the future.

Unfortunately, the young minds needed to fill those roles often feel discouraged from pursuing an education in STEM.

According to a recent survey from Merck, 48 per cent of middle school students find it hard to see themselves as scientists, even though their everyday activities often involve science.

The Curiosity Cube helps students make the connection while at the same time connecting them with professionals.

In Europe and North America combined, the 2024 Curiosity Cube tour will reach 45,000 students through more than 280 events in 14 countries.

The European tour, which began in April, has included visits to Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the U.K.

Beyond the travelling Curiosity Cube, there is another Curiosity Cube at Merck’s headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany.

To learn more about the Curiosity Cube and see the complete 2024 tour schedule, visit TheCuriosityCube.com.