Timeline

Although Science Projects is probably best known as a designer and fabricator of interactive exhibitions, it actually has its origins as a science centre back in 1988 when Stephen Pizzey set up the Discovery Dome – Britain’s first travelling interactive science centre.

The Ontario Science Centre in Canada had already instigated its ‘Science Circus’ which had travelled to a number of countries, including a visit to the Science Museum in London. It proved extremely popular but was still constrained by being an exhibition which required a museum or other venue in which to operate. What made Science Projects’ idea different was the thought that it would be much more interesting to have the building travel with the exhibition as well.

Deciding to test out the theory, a system of tents was hired and exhibits from the Exploratory in Bristol (now At-Bristol) borrowed for an open day in the UK in 1986. The result was a huge success and provided the impetus to take the next step.

Scienceworks for Schools and Glasgow’s first science centre

The Discovery Dome attracted over 100,000 visitors in its first year and led to teachers requesting to borrow the exhibits. From this interest, the idea of ScienceWorks arose – sets of specially designed, curriculum-based exhibits available for hire to schools. This started operation in 1989 and continues on today.

Meanwhile, Science Projects was developing a new exhibition in Glasgow following a successful visit by the Discovery Dome. The exhibition was intended to form the basis of a science centre for the 1990 City of Culture celebrations. More staff were recruited and the workshop expanded in order to cope with the additional workload.