ERDF 311: National Interactive Science Centre (NISC)

The NISC will provide a state-of-the-art permanent infrastructure where students, teachers and the general public will be able to immerse themselves in a hands-on, interactive science experience in an informal learning facility. The aim is to bring science closer to the target audience and aid in increasing the number of students taking up science subjects at secondary level. In the long term this will contribute to the increase in Science and Technology professionals, thus giving Malta the much needed human capital to sustain a competitive knowledge-based economy.

1. To Restore, Construct and Finish the buildings within Bighi Complex to set up the National Interactive Science Centre (NISC) as an informal learning infrastructure2. To attract More Students towards Science by improving their attitudes and perceptions about learning and doing science and therefore Increasing the Uptake of Science related Subjects at Secondary Level3. To enhance the Teaching of Science through Interactive Experiences and Inquiry-Based Learning and therefore contribute towards Innovation in the Maltese Education System4. NISC to become a Science Communication Hub for the Community 5. To bridge the gap between the World of Science and the General Public6. To serve as a Research Infrastructure by offering a Research Base set-up in form of a Live Lab, where research in the fields of Social Science and Humanities could be carried out.7. To increase Human Capital in SET

Setting up of a permanent infrastructure for informal learning based on the science curricula, with science interactive hands-on exhibits and workshop/shows space. 1 Fully equipped Infrastructure for teachers to use as a resource in itself. Teachers will be able to teach various parts of the curricula at the NISC, especially those hard to convey topics that require specialised interactive materials and equipment.Attract more students to science through interactive experiences.• 256 professional Science Shows will be held annually in the Activity Centre.• 256 Hands-on Science Workshops will be held annually in the Activity Centre.• 618 Planetarium Shows will be screened.• 4 Outreach Activities annually will be organised in Gozo to entice Gozitan students and the General Public to visit the NISC. Bridge the gap between the General Public and Science & Technology. • 1 Science related event per quarter will be organised at the NISC open to the General Public.• 1 Exhibition per year in the temporary exhibition space set-up by academia and/or industry to showcase their work and bring visitors closer to the application of science.• An overall 10% increase in positive perception towards science of NISC visitors at the end of the 3rd year after opening.