On Tuesday Statoil signed a main sponsorship agreement with the regional science centre for Rogaland and Agder counties. The agreement will enable the Centre to improve and renew its science features.
Eirik Viland, Joahnnes Rudjord Volden and Daniel Garvik at the Science Centre in Sandnes.
“This is a fantastic pre-Christmas present. Even more people can now visit us, be inspired and learn more about science and technology. This is positive for both us and for Statoil,” says Målfrid Snørteland, who is head of the regional science centre, Jærmuseet.
The funds will go towards improving the collection at the science centre, and over the next three-year period the theme energy and environment will be on the agenda.
Inspiration for the young
Siri Kindem, who is senior vice president for technology excellence in Statoil, explains that Statoil wishes to inspire young people in Norway and throughout the world so that they get interested in research, science and technology and choose to study these subjects.
Målfrid Snørteland, head of the regional science centre, (left) and Siri Espedal Kindem, senior vice president for technology excellence in Statoil.
“We believe that the activities the Jærmuseet offers at its science centre, science farm and travelling science circus are important. There is every indication that the need for science graduates will increase ion the future. Unfortunately many people drop science subjects. We want to try and reverse this trend. To get children and young people interested, it’s important they get to see and experience the practical applications of scientific knowledge, as they can at the science centres,” says Kindem.
Statoil also supports other science centres in Norway. These sponsorships are part of the Heroes of Tomorrow programme, which supports talented young people in education, sport and cultural pursuits.
Endre Åkesson (16) confirms that practical work is much more educational than just dry blackboard teaching.
Science teacher Ragnhild Raugstad, who was present with her class from Sandnes upper secondary school during the signing of the agreement, explains that the science centre is a very positive resource for them.
“It provides opportunities far beyond those available to us in the classroom. There are many excursions it can be fun to go on, but the content here is also relevant to the national curriculum. We are looking forward to avail ourselves even more of what the science centre can offer, » says Raugstad.
Pupil Endre Åkesson (16) confirms that practical work is much more educational than just dry blackboard teaching.
“I get to carry out what I have learnt, which means that I don’t forget it sop easily. I get inspired to develop my own ideas. This is great fun,” he explains.
Text: Helga Hovland
Photos: Harald Pettersen