The Regional Museum in Jarocin is another place where the Zone of Discovery, Imagination and Activity (SOWA) was established. Zones are a joint initiative of the Ministry of Education and Science (MEiN) and the Copernicus Science Centre, which aim to create small science centres in smaller towns and villages with less than 150 thousand inhabitants.

Visitors can explore the interactive exhibition (15 artefacts) and use the workshop space (Majsternia), which serves for free experimentation and taking up construction challenges. The exhibition covers various branches of science, allowing visitors to explore different aspects of the natural world, such as movement, light and the human body.

During the opening ceremony, in his letter, the Minister of Education and Science, Przemysław Czarnek pointed out that SOWA in Jarocin creates a new space for the Wielkopolska voivodship’s inhabitants, especially the youngest visitors to discover natural phenomena and acquire knowledge in a practical way.

“I’m sure that thanks to innovative technological solutions and the possibility to freely use the artefacts we create optimal conditions for children and young people to discover the beauty of science. Above all, we will increase access to knowledge resources and have a real impact on equal social opportunities”, wrote Minister Czarnek.

The Discovery, Imagination and Activity Zones are being established at existing cultural and scientific-educational institutions, such as community centres, libraries, media centres, art galleries and museums. In each facility, visitors can visit interactive exhibitions and participate in scientific experiments.

In 2021, two pilot Zones were launched. In 2022, 10 facilities have already been opened, and further 8 are planned. In 2023, further 12 small science centres will be opened, informs the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński