Kortosfera – a new attraction for the curious children and adults in Olsztyn
Welcome to a world of fascinating science and enduring curiosity. At Kortosfera, or Centre for Popularising Science and Innovation of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, you will discover that learning can be really exciting. It’s a place where children, young people, and adults can spend time creatively. Here, learning is fun and experimenting becomes a fascinating adventure. Thanks to this, discovering knowledge is never boring.
The state-of-the-art facility opened in September 2023 and offers visitors attractions on five levels, including: an interactive permanent exhibition, specialised laboratories, a microscope workshop, and science demonstration rooms. The themes of the exhibits, related to agriculture and the natural environment of Warmia and Mazury, are intended to stimulate interest in the region and in the sciences. Kortosfera is also a place for building a dialogue between the world of science, NGOs, and the local community, initiating interdisciplinary projects. Importantly, all exhibitions are described in two languages: Polish and English. We can also take advantage of an option of touring with an educator.
Level 0: Underground kingdom
Life underground is fascinating! We find this out as soon as we enter Kortosfera. The exhibition invites us to discover the secrets of the underground world. We learn how the lakes of Mazury were formed, what hides in the soil, what rocks and minerals we can come across when exploring our region, and what creatures live underground. We also have the opportunity to look into a hare’s burrow.
Level 1: I sow, therefore I am
On the next level, an exhibition concerning the history of agriculture and food production awaits. We can learn about the changes that have taken place due to developments in technology and science, as well as how global forces and physical phenomena affect climate and weather. It is here that an exhibit of great interest is located. It’s a… a dairy cow that can be milked. It is also possible to compare the performance of modern dairy cattle breeds and cattle from 500 years ago. The opportunity to drive a real farm tractor will be enjoyed not only by the youngest.
On this floor, it is also possible to observe the operation of the Foucault pendulum (hanging over three floors), which demonstrates the rotation of the Earth around its axis.
Level 2: Human being – eating creature
What do people eat on different continents? How many metres are the human intestines? How is butter made? We will learn the answers to these and other questions concerning food and the digestive system at the next level. Here, information on how to prepare and store food, its composition, and its impact on health is presented in a way that is attractive even to the youngest.
In this exhibition, the saying ”you are what you eat” takes on a new meaning. The various diets presented here, the nutrients and their role in the body, as well as the consequences of a poor diet and lack of physical inactivity, encourage reflection on lifestyle and motivate people to make beneficial changes.
It is also here that you can discover the secrets of anatomy – numerous exhibits show the internal structure of the human body while multimedia games remind you to take care of hygiene.
Level 3: How to feed the future
In this part of Kortosfera, topics of relevance to the future of humanity and our planet are addressed. The concept of sustainability of crop production and the shaping of the agricultural environment are issues already faced not only by scientists, but all inhabitants of the Earth. Possible solutions to future nutrition, carbon reduction, or the introduction of meat substitute products are presented here in an accessible and interactive version.
Level 4: Young space explorers
The final level will certainly appeal to the youngest explorers. Here we can literally go into space. Rockets, shuttles, a model of the Solar System – these are just some of the many attractions awaiting visitors. In the interactive playground, children can spend time actively practising their manual skills and motor coordination, or take part in activities led by an animator.
Labosfera
At Kortosfera, it is possible to feel like a real scientist and try to be a chemist, microbiologist, or food technologist. In the laboratories, visitors carry out experiments of varying difficulty. The Lab Bez Barier (Barrier-Free Lab) operates on Mondays. This is an offer designed for persons with disabilities. The classes are conducted in such a way that each participant is comfortable exploring the secrets of science.
In addition to permanent exhibitions and classes in the laboratories, Kortosfera organises themed workshops, such as Laboratory Secrets of Brewing or Christmas Labs, and runs the Kortosfera Academy – a series of themed classes held in laboratories for various age groups.
High Energy Laboratory (level 2)
In this unique laboratory, visitors can enjoy demonstrations related to electromagnetism, including the operation of the Tesla coil and the Van de Graff generator. It is worth experiencing it for yourself and in your… hair.
There is a shop on the premises with a wide selection of educational games, books, puzzles, brain teasers, and mascots – all related to science, of course. Tickets for Kortosfera can be purchased online or at the on-site box office. Information on the current price list for tickets, opening hours, and directions to the facility are available on the website.
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