In a continuous bid to reduce obstacles for people to become more engaged with Science, state schools visiting Esplora as of January 2020 will be benefiting from free transport. This initiative is the fruit of the continual collaborative work between Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment conjointly with Dr. Francis Fabri, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Education and Employment, (MEDE) and Dr. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Executive Chairman of the Malta Council for Science and Technology.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects will be made more accessible thanks to this action. This falls perfectly in line with this years' budget showcasing the commitment of this Government to have more students choose STEM subjects.
A visit to Esplora Interactive Science Centre consists of a curriculum-related educational activity as per Esplora's Education Programme and access to the exhibition areas. The Esplora Education Programme offers a wide variety of activities for all ages, from early years to secondary school students and beyond. The full list of activities on offer are listed in the Esplora Education Programme and can be accessed through this link: http://esplora.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Educational-Programme-2019-2020.pdf
Since its opening Esplora has been a catalyst for change, using creative methods such as facilitation and inquiry based learning, encouraging visitors to Explore, Think and Imagine. The end results are people who take thoughtful risks, informed decisions, engage in hands-on, body-on, mind-on and experiential learning, persist in problem-solving and embrace collaboration. These all contribute to the development and enhancement of 21st century skills.
Through a recent survery carried out by MISCO International, Esplora has already seen a 14% higher interest in science among the general public compared to a 10% increase target which was committed in order to be awarded funds from the European Regional Development Fund 2007 - 2013 which made it possible for Esplora to be developed into an Interactive Science Centre.
This scheme will facilite an increased number of visits to Esplora, lessen the financial burden on families and ultimately contribute to the continual endeavour in the ever-increasing love for Science.