This is the first item of our 99 Things To Do in Sonderborg challenge. We went to Danfoss Univers in July 2010 during a trip to the region. This review is based on that trip. This is where I first heard of Danfoss…and in a few days I will start working there!
Danfoss Universe is a hands-on science theme park where both children and adults play their way to a knowledge of science. Here you can romp from one experiment and fun-filled natural phenomenon to the next.
As the blurb explains, Danfoss Univers is an interactive experience about science. It is divided into different areas where activities and displays on topics from water to energy, digital technology to the origins of the Danfoss company are available.
One of my favourite areas was probably the Explorama attraction. This zone concerned concepts of creativity and intelligence. There were over 50 activities to try your hands at, from trying to mimic sentences in other languages, to mathematical and logical activities and activities testing your interpersonal intelligence.
The other attraction I enjoy was the Segway track. They apparently have Europe’s first Segway track which you can try out in the form of a sort of obstacle course which gets progressively more difficult as you learn new skills. The eye-wateringly high entrance fee could probably be excused for this experience together with the extent of hand’s on possibilities in the park.
However it wasn’t just hands’ on exhibits that were available. There was also a science show organised once a day that I wanted to experience. Even though the 30 minute show was conducted in Danish, I found I could easily follow what was going on. I liked the fact that the show seemed to be structured in a progressive manner such that each demo built on a previous one. My quibble however? The demonstrator was dressed in a lab coat and wore a grey messed up wig. I guess this only helps to reinforce the traditional image of a scientist. But is that all scientists are? Mad, eccentric people? Identifying myself with being a scientist I would guess (or hope!) not.