Making science engaging

Malaysia's Ministry of Science and Education was looking for innovative ways to communicate science to young people aged 8 to 15 years of age. The work was commissioned to designers in the United States, Germany and New Zealand.

workSpace at Otago Polytechnic was subcontracted by Science Alive to provide 12 interactive exhibits on a range of diverse topics including cell construction, the mechanics of muscles, and light. workSpace used good storytelling techniques and design principles to create both the physical and software components for the exhibits, all constructed here in Dunedin then assembled in Penang.

The TechDome opened to the public on 16 July 2016. Its mission is:

• To inspire children and students to become future technologists and nurture the interest to use and invent technology.

• To cultivate the spirit of inquiry and nurture the passion to thrive in the fields of science, engineering and technology.

•To showcase the progress of the world’s technology and innovation.

•To highlight the convergence of technology, industry and people.

In his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony last year, Chief Minister of Penang Lim Guan Eng said 'we truly believe that the very interesting exhibits on display at Tech Dome will not only spark the interests of young children in Science Engineering & Technology but will certainly live up to the tag-line - "Inspiring Innovation".'