The science centers and Tekna spread the joy of science

- We hope the gift will lead to even more children and young people becoming enthusiastic about science subjects," says Elisabet Haugsbø, President of Tekna.

The Tekna trade union was founded in 1874 and in connection with its 150th anniversary, the association wants to contribute to activities that can encourage and motivate children and young people to take an interest in science. It was an easy choice that this meant expanded collaboration with the science centers. Tekna has already had a good and close collaboration with the science centers for many years.

- The science centers are an important supplement to science teaching in schools, and are a great way to spark interest and engagement by teaching children to experiment themselves. Research shows that practical exercises and knowledge of how the subjects are used are important factors in triggering motivation in children and young people," says Elisabet Haugsbø, President of Tekna.

Tekna is a trade union for those with a master's degree in technology and natural sciences, and an important social mission for Tekna is to contribute to increased recruitment to the sciences.

There is currently a major shortage of this expertise in the workplace, and we are completely dependent on more children and young people choosing science education in the future to solve many of the challenges we face, including climate change and digitalization. Tekna hopes that the donation to the science centers will help to engage even more children and young people throughout the country and that recruitment to the sciences can increase.

Tekna encourages the science centers to prioritize schools that make little use of their science center, and there should be a low threshold for participation. The initiatives should be aimed at grades 5-7 because we know that interests are formed early in life.

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