Glasgow pupils discover passion for STEM thanks to Merck

This week, global science and technology company Merck took their Curiosity Cube to St Catherine's Primary and All Saints Secondary School in the city's Barmulloch.

A retrofitted shipping container turned mobile science lab, the Curiosity Cube was staffed by Merck employees who volunteered to work with schoolchildren through three hands-on science experiments that were focused on the microbiome.

Using a digital microscope, pupils were able to identify and explore the different bacteria around us with the help of a bacteria robot and discover what influences our microbiome and how to keep it healthy. 

Staff also health a Q&A for students to ask any scientific questions they had, as well as learn about the routes local employees took in their own STEM careers.

Rachael Hewitt, Curiosity Cube lead at Merck, said: "The UK can and should do more to enhance the STEM skills required to continue delivering the cutting-edge work seen by the country’s biotech sector in recent years.

"As a major local employer, we’re incredibly passionate about fostering an interest in STEM from an early age.

"Many of our own staff were born and raised in Glasgow and have gone on to do amazing work here at Merck.

"We hope that the Curiosity Cube will spark the beginning of a long love for STEM among local schoolchildren."

Brian McDermott, headteacher at All Saints Secondary School, said: "The Curiosity Cube has been a fantastic learning experience for the young people in the All Saints learning community.

"The Merck Team have designed interactive activities which pique the interests of both Primary and Secondary learners.

"Engaging with the Curiosity Cube has been an enjoyable and educational end-of-term treat for our young people."