The wonders of the world of science came to life for Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School’s
fourth- and fifth-graders when the Curiosity Cube set down at the school on September 9. “The
students had a blast,” said fourth-grade teacher Matthew Salzwimmer.
fourth- and fifth-graders when the Curiosity Cube set down at the school on September 9. “The
students had a blast,” said fourth-grade teacher Matthew Salzwimmer.
The Curiosity Cube is a 22- by10-ft. retrofitted shipping container converted into a mobile
science lab. It offers a variety of hands-on experiments and activities designed to inspire
school-age children to experience the possibilities of science and an interest in STEM-based
careers at an early age. (STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
Students spent about 15 minutes at each station. They looked at bacteria using microscopes.
They drew the bacteria they saw, then compared their drawing to a chart to see if the bacteria
was salmonella or another microorganism. They created dancing robots using a pattern they
created based on their daily activities. They experimented with vials of liquid to symbolize what
they ate for breakfast that morning. “The dirtier their mouths were, the dirtier the vials got. This
symbolized how much bacteria remained in their mouths if they didn't brush well after
breakfast.” noted Salzwimmer. “They loved it.”
The Curiosity Cube travels throughout North America and Europe visiting schools, community
events, museums, and other public spaces. Locally, it is staffed by employees of MilliporeSigma,
an industrial organic chemical company based on East 49th Street in Cuyahoga Heights. "We
just want to spark curiosity in the next generation of scientists,” said a company spokesman.
Judging by the students’ reaction, the Curiosity Cube exceeded its goal.