Urenco to boost development of science website for children

Urenco is taking an exciting digital resource for young people to the next level – in partnership with the Science Museum Group – to inspire the next generation of scientists, inventors and engineers. 

The Wonderlab+ website, aimed at 7 to 12 year olds and their families,  launched in late 2022 and is already an award winner. Thanks to a three-year partnership with URENCO, the site will benefit from a regular stream of engaging, accessible content shaped by research-informed best practice including quizzes and videos.

Wonderlab+ is the digital sister to Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery at the Science Museum, which Urenco has been a major sponsor of since 2015, and Wonderlabs at both the National Science and Media Museum and the National Railway Museum. 

Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery has welcomed more than two million visitors since it opened and forms part of Urenco’s Richie education programme. 

Wonderlab+ takes the spirit of the gallery online, with the addition of a grown-ups section to support  parents and carers to recognise their influence on their child’s relationship with STEM.

Wonderlab+ aims to help increase the value and connection young people have with science from an early age, increasing the likelihood of them continuing to study science subjects or consider a career in science . This is known as “science capital”. 

Digital Director for the Science Museum Group, John Stack, said: 

“Wonderlab+ is a fantastic website for children and families designed to increase their science capital and interest in science, technology, engineering and maths related careers. Thanks to Urenco’s support, Wonderlab+ will continue to evolve and expand, reaching more young people through engaging new quizzes, videos and other digital content.” 

Research shows that the more science capital a young person has, the more likely they are to study science post-16. 

But national data shows that 27% of all 11- to 17-year-olds have low science capital, particularly those from disadvantaged schools and communities. This is said to limit their opportunities in life and contributes to the shortfall in young people in the UK choosing STEM subjects. 

Social Impact Lead at Urenco, Rosie Salkeld, said: 

“Urenco is committed to nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers and we cannot underestimate how important they will be to both the net zero transition and helping us to keep the lights on in the future. 

“Wonderlab+ is another way of engaging with young people, showing how science is not just interesting, but fun. We hope children visiting the site will come back again and again as it continues to develop, so they can see how science can help provide answers to many of the difficult questions we face in society.” 

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