Merck Brings Science Education to Students Across North America with Curiosity Cube^® Mobile Science Lab

News Release

Burlington, Massachusetts, March 7, 2019 — MilliporeSigma is igniting student interest in science with its third annual Curiosity Cube® mobile science lab tour.

“We’ve seen firsthand how the interactive learning that takes place inside the Curiosity Cube® can spark curiosity crucial for developing a passion for science,” said Udit Batra, CEO, MilliporeSigma. “We will continue to bring important science curricula to students, especially those in areas where STEM education is not readily available.”

The Curiosity Cube® mobile science lab is a 22x15-foot retrofitted shipping container that features interactive, hands-on science experiments designed to prime students for STEM careers. This year’s experiments will take STEM learning to a new level —celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Periodic Table of Elements.

With the STEM sector projected to grow faster than any other in the U.S., it is critical to engage students at an early age. Yet, those in lower-resourced schools often lack access to the proper technology and lab equipment needed for hands-on science learning. The design of the Curiosity Cube® mobile science lab gives students of all backgrounds the opportunity to conduct hands-on science experiments using advanced technology. In fact, 95 percent of schools that the mobile science lab will visit this year are classified as Title 1 schools. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the Title 1 program provides financial assistance to schools with a high number or percentage of children from low-income families, ensuring that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

In 2019, the mobile science lab will visit schools, summer camps and public spaces in more than 100 communities across the U.S. and Canada, including stops in San Diego, Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto, Cleveland, St. Louis, Seattle, Houston and Austin, Texas.

This year, all experiments inside the Cube will focus on the Periodic Table of Elements, in recognition of its landmark anniversary. Inside the mobile science lab, students will use augmented reality, virtual reality, digital microscopes, 3D printers and science instruments to explore elements found within nature, technology and the human body. MilliporeSigma employees will lead all experiments — exposing visitors to the diverse spectrum of scientists in today’s workforce and allowing them to discuss future careers in STEM.

Additionally, MilliporeSigma is unveiling a new design that features double the amount of classroom space — giving more visitors the opportunity to become immersed in science.

To learn more about the Curiosity Cube® mobile science lab and view the complete 2019 tour schedule, visit TheCuriosityCube.com and follow #CuriosityCube and #SPARKCuriosity on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Follow MilliporeSigma on Twitter @MilliporeSigma, on Facebook @MilliporeSigma and on LinkedIn.

About the Corporate Responsibility Efforts of the Life Science Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Through its corporate responsibility initiatives, the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, harnesses the collective expertise, passion and energy of employees to minimize its environmental footprint and positively impact communities around the world.

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is uniquely positioned to solve the toughest problems in life science through its efforts aligned with strengths in research, innovation and collaboration with the global scientific community. This helps differentiate its business and provides a competitive edge for its customers, while accelerating access to health for people everywhere. The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt Germany demonstrates its commitment to corporate responsibility through extensive programs in three main areas: Greener Products and Solutions—which includes Design for Sustainability, Green Chemistry, Packaging and Recycling initiatives; Employee and Community Engagement; and Sustainable Operations.