NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre
The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) has been engaging the public in the wonders of science for nearly two decades. Starting in 1990, it launched Yapollo, a travelling hands-on science exhibition which popularised scientific investigation, experimentation and observation. The exhibition, the first of its kind in our region, wowed tens of thousands of visitors, both young and old, as it visited malls, auditoriums and various events throughout Trinidad and the wider Caribbean. One of Yapollo's main attractions was the portable Starlab Planetarium which had persons eagerly lining up waiting for their turn to experience the skilfully crafted astronomy show.
In 1997, NIHERST's science popularisation programme found its home in the NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre (NSC). Since its opening, the Centre has made quite an impact, both in local and regional spheres in promoting public appreciation of science and technology and in advancing the level of scientific and technological literacy in both the children and adults of Trinidad & Tobago. This is achieved by presenting knowledge and experiences of science and technology in their most palatable forms and also by supporting the formal science curriculum with our own informal brand of learning, which has helped to stimulate our young people to pursue careers in these fields.
NSC offers the public a range of services and benefits including educational workshops and seminars for students, teachers and the general public; science and technology competitions; vacation science camps for youngsters; outreach programmes to schools and rural communities via its Road Show and Community Science Week programmes; travelling exhibitions in malls and other public places; the NIHERST ChildrenŐs Science Magazine; its flagship biennial science festival - Sci-TechKnoFest; the Caribbean Youth Science Forum; and its hands-on science exhibits on robotics, energy, sports, the human body, the environment, physical disabilities among other fun learning resources that are housed at the Centre. An estimated 750,000 persons have benefited from NIHERST's informal programmes in science and technology since its launch in 1997.
The NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre is proud partner with CARINA, UWI and the Trinidad and Tobago Astronomical Society to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy 2009. A variety of popular as well as new astronomy activities has been developed to excite our visitors to learn more about astronomy.
To learn more about NIHERST's programmes, visit our website at www.niherst.gov.tt.