Umevatoriet's approach is thematic

Umevatoriet is a project, a collaboration of the municipality of Umeå and the University of Umeå. Our aim is to promote science and technology by being a natural meeting place for school, university, and commuinty. Umevatoriet makes learning about science, technology, astronomy and mathematics a fun, interactive adventure. Our approach is thematic.

THEME:The Crater detectives

You are invited to try and help us solve a space mystery and at the same time get the chance to deepen your understanding of our solar system. A scientist is a sort of detective, a science detective. Imagine that you are a researcher on a mission trying to solve a space mystery. You will conduct crater experiments in sand and mud. Your experimental accomplishments will help us understand the difference between craters located on the moon and the ones om Mars and at the same time answer questions like: Why are there so many craters on the moon? Are there similar craters on earth and if so, what can we learn from that?

THEME: What can be seen in the sky?

What can be seen today? How does a telescope work?
Umevatoriet encourage hands-on participation! Starting with a general information about space we move on to looking at the sky. In case of a clear sky we will view the stars through one of Umevatoriets portable telescopes or through our MEAD telescope in the dome. Make sure to bring warm clothes! Otherwise we will explore space in Umevatoriets state-of-the-art technology planetarium. Here you can enjoy a hyper-real digital exploration of outer space.

THEME: Astromatics

Astromatics starts in space with a fact-filled information on stars, satellites, planets and space-vehicles among other things. We continue further out in space by a visit to our state-of-the-art technology planetarium. Here you will enjoy an amazing 3D adventure traveling through outer space. After your space journey we move on to the Orient and the amazing Bagdad tents of mathematics. Let your amagination run free as you journey through time meeting historical mathematical and astronomical characters from different cultures. This is the place to learn about the historical connection between mathematics and astronomy.
For example, ways of measuring time has changed over the years. We will explain and show calendars from different cultures and various historical eras, and show how important the astronomical cycles are in the construction and understanding of these calendars. You will also learn how to calculate distances to the stars and learn what they consist of.