A Science Center for and about northern parts of Norway

Picture of the Planetarium

Nordnorsk vitensenter (The Science Center of Northern Norway) was established 29th August 2002 and is a non-profit Science Center located at the world's northernmost university, the University of Tromsø.

The close connection between the Science Center and the University give us an unique possibility to be a key partner for the school system in the region (Northern-Norway), both in education of students (from 6 to 19 years old) and of today's and tomorrow's teachers. The aim of the establishment is to change attitudes towards science and technology among students, and through this increase the number of students who later choose a higher education in science and technology.

The activities at the Science Center shall help the school system, who struggle to equip the students (and the teachers) with scientific and technological skills, as well as making science and technology accessible for ordinary people.

Our objectives are:

  • To be a meeting point where children and adults can explore Mathematics, Science and Technology through “learning by doing”
  • Focus on Science and Technology in Northern Norway and the Arctic
  • Learning programmes for students
  • Science and Society programme
  • Cooperate with Colleges and the University both for outreach activities and teachers training
  • Cooperate with other Science Centres and Museums in the region
  • Produce an attractive internet sites with general information, activities to do at home and teacher guides

Activities:

  • We have educational programmes and offer courses for teachers in Mathematics, Science (Astronomy, Physics, Geology, Chemistry and Biology) and Technology. We also develop educational material adapted to the northern region.
  • We have a popular Science club for children 10 – 14 years during school vacations, both in summer and winter time.
  • We are establishing exhibitions in:
    • Energy and Environment up North
    • The Sky Above
    • Climate and Weather
    • Body and Brain
    • Other subjects within Mathematics, Science and Technology

We have a few more resource pages in English:

Sundials, English introduction
Information about Norwegian sundials