Visionarium’s latest bet is Laboratorium, an innovative new space set up for visitors to engage in experimental science such as in a genuine research Laboratory.
Laboratorium has just opened this year as the new space for Science Dissemination. It is not only a science experimentation space, but also a concept in itself, where the main concern is to spread science education to a higher audience.
It involves the use of the most advanced scientific techniques, combined with up-to-date information technology, thus having workplaces connected on an intranet and equipped with multimedia tools and laboratorial appliances.
Opened the whole year to the general public, as well as schools, Laboratorium engages visitors in a close contact with laboratorial science, filling in the gaps for school equipments and curricula, or simply satisfying the curiosity of regular visitors who wish to learn what happens in real labs. Focusing on Biology, Genetics, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry and Ecology, Laboratorium is fully equipped with all the necessary tools for experimentation.

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In a futuristic atmosphere, surrounded by cells and chromosomes, interactive whiteboards and sophisticated microscopes, DNA amplification, in vitro fertilization or production of biodiesel from micro algae, is a daily routine in Laboratorium. On our workshops and experimental activities, visitors not only observe the techniques, but also learn them by doing. Different activities are conceived every year, focusing on different areas. Laboratorium offers 3 hour long, experimental sessions (Laboratories), or smaller 1 hour sessions, where a scientific principle is explained followed by a simple experiment (Mini-labs). Each activity is designed for every school levels, from primary to upper secondary.

AreasAreas
Themes
Contents
Techniques
Cell Cell Diversity: Structure and Organization
Cell Division
Phase and epifluorescence contrast microscopy Imunocitochemistry.
DNA DNA molecule and its properties. The genetic patrimony: maintenance and transmission. Molecular Genetics: paternity tests, genetic disorders and criminal investigation DNA extraction and dyeing.
Cariotypes. PCR
DNA electrophoresis
Energy Natural Resources and Sustainability. Energy Production. Renewable Energy sources. Energy Production: Bioreactors
Fuel Production
Ecology Environmental quality analysis: physico-chemical factors and biological indicators. Ecosystems Sampling techniques .Biological and physico-chemical analysis methodology (benthic macroinvertebrate)
Reproduction Reproductive Strategies Transmission of hereditary characteristics. Assisted Reproduction. Phase contrast microscopy
In Vitro Fecundation
Biotecnology Biotechnology in food production and conservation. Genetic modified organisms. Bacterial transmission. Fermentation. Sterilization Techniques
Recombinant DNA

 

AreasActivities
Format
Publics
Lenght
Capacity
Laboratories - Introduce the theme using a multimedia show;
- Conduct an experimental activity;
- Interpret the results from the activity;
- Create a blog and publish photos, videos and the results from the activity.
Primary levels
Lower secondary
Upper secondary levels

3:00 hours 30 pax
MiniLabs - Introduce the theme using a multimedia show;
- Conduct an experimental activity;
- Interpret the results from the activity.
Primary levels
Lower secondary
Upper secondary levels
50 minutes 40 pax
Schools’ assistance - Provide technical Expertise regarding the implementation of scientific projects in schools;
- Open Laboratorium and its equipment for schools to work on projects that can not be carried out in schools;
- Promote school projects by revealing its results.
Primary and lower secondary schools    

 

 

 
AEP : Associação Empresarial de Portugal Ciência Viva Ministério da Educação Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior Apifarma Dolce Vita Portugal Telecom DRENGulbenkian