In July 2010, the IEEE launched a new exhibit, named E-Scientia, that stimulates real-time electronics engineering at Espacio Ciencia in Montevideo, Uruguay.E-Scientia is directed toward pre-university level students ages 8-16 with preliminary interest in science and engineering. The exhibit is presented in a large, space-ship like structure equipped with the latest computational, electric circuit hardware, and audio visual equipment. Students use this equipment to solve challenges posed during a simulated space flight.
The E-Scientia exhibit consists of five stations, each occupying two students at a time. These stations are used by space travelers to create solutions to problems in the areas of energy, monitoring and detection, sensing of the environment, communication, and biomedical measurements. Students are provided with descriptions of the developing challenges, receive real-time training on how to address them, and use circuit components and devices to build hardware solutions.
E-Scientia was conceived and built by volunteers of the IEEE Educational Activities Board who reside in Uruguay, led by Marcel Keshner. It was funded by IEEE, with in-kind support by IBM, Interamericana de Computos S.A., and IBM business partner; Analisis de Sistemas, a provider of multimedia hardware and turnkey systems; and Markel Engineers.
On 6-8 July 2011 the IEEE Educational Activities Board and the IEEE Uruguay Section hosted a two-and-a-half day Symposium to plan the expansion of the E-Scientia exhibit to science and technology museums in IEEE Regions globally. During this Symposium, IEEE members viewed a live demonstration of E-Scientia, gave input on the refinement of educational materials, and discussed the expansion of E-Scientia through partnerships with local science and technology museums. Symposium support was generously provided by a grant from the IEEE Foundation Life Members Fund and the IEEE Educational Activities Board.
Espacio Ciencia is an interactive museum in Montevideo, Uruguay, dedicated to Science and Technology. It is part of the Technological Laboratory of Uruguay (LATU). Espacio Ciencia provides recreation and dissemination of science and technology, and allows visitors from preschoolers to adults to become actors in the great technological adventure. Participation is the centerpiece of the museum and it stimulates the imagination, creativing, and critical thinking.