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.
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.
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 |
|
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 |
|
|