SCICOM

Description

SCICOM (European Network of Science Centers in communicating energy-related topics) is supported by the EU Seventh Framework Programme. Its objective is to disseminate Science to the audience through a network of science centres with focus on renewable energy topics. SCICOM’s Partners of the project are: Science Center Wels – Austria, Kindercity Zurich – Switzerland, Energiakeskus Tallinn – Estonia, Palais de la Découverte – France, Satrosphere Science Centre UK, Universum Bremen – Germany, Kraftwerk Living Technologies – Austria, RTD Services – Austria.

Following are the specific objectives set within the EU-funded project:

• to increase the efficiency of national and European initiatives to communicate science and research by identifying and promoting the success factors of several science centres and museums in Europe;

• to develop an operating network of experts in Renewable Energy, and a joint policy paper, to organise a series of scientific events, and to set up ambitious exhibitions and exhibits;

• to organise common workshops within the network while setting up a joint policy paper in the field of communicating science and research in renewable energy;

• to increase the engagement of civil society organisations, policy-makers and other decision makers in communication and educational matters (with focus on energy issues) by promoting policy recommendations and guidelines on the organisation of exhibitions and other events;

• to foster the creation of awareness in the field of Energy/Energy savings, efficiency and renewable energy to the public, especially young people.

The main objective of the consortium is to organise a touring interactive exhibition in the field of Renewable Energy: Energy Island – Discovering Renewable Energies. The Official Opening of the travelling exhibition was held at Explora that hosted the exhibition from November 12th 2009 to February 14th 2010. After that the exhibition travelled to Aberdeen, Tallinn, Bremen. Paris, Zurich and Wels.

One main aim of the exhibition is to attract children, pupils, families and schools to learn more about energy issues through the exhibition. The exhibition explores renewable energy sources, providing technical data and showing technologies on the cutting edge. Nowadays renewable energies are fundamental, what do we know about them? Modern multimedia technologies accompanying the exhibits allow children to observe and learn more about renewable energy from: sun, wind, geothermal, biomass and water. The exhibition will also provide examples of their applications and will show benefits and disadvantages. After discovering, experiencing and collecting information on different types of renewable energies, visitors will test their skills with a game on the Energy Island. Children will have to combine the energy sources available on the island (water, wind, sun, geothermal and biomass) to discover the right mix that will power it, according to its environment, clime and geography characteristics.