Interactive exhibitions · Science rooms · STEM workshops and shows · Explainer training
Turn STEM ideas into real experiences
Many institutions want hands-on science but face real constraints: budget, staffing, maintenance and complex procurement. High-tech equipment alone doesn’t create learning; good interaction design does. We help you choose solutions that are engaging, safe, robust and easy to maintain.
About Scientastic
Scientastic is a Brussels-based non-profit founded in 1994. We designed and operated a major hands-on science venue that welcomed more than 500,000 visitors, and developed a large portfolio of interactive exhibits on optics, the senses, mechanics and perception. Today we run science workshops in schools and offer technical assistance to partners in Belgium and abroad.
Our approach: practical and transferable
- We support your team, your local makers and/or your suppliers.
- We focus on visitor engagement, educational value, safety and low maintenance.
- We document everything and pass on our know-how, so you stay autonomous.
- Most support is delivered remotely, with on-site visits when they add real value.
Scientastic does not run a fabrication workshop and does not manufacture exhibits.
1. Interactive exhibitions and science rooms
What we help you deliver
- The concept and plan for an interactive exhibition or a “science room”
- The right exhibit mix: proven classics plus a few signature “wow” pieces, balanced against upkeep
- Safety, durability and maintenance planning: reset time, spare parts, access
- Staff preparation: visitor flow, supervision, guidance for explainers
Two ways to equip your exhibition
Build locally. We support your fabricator with specifications, safety and testing guidance, parts lists, maintenance notes and prototype reviews.
Buy from suppliers. We help you define your exhibit list, compare catalogues on robustness, maintenance and educational value, and write specifications and acceptance criteria.
You choose the path that matches your resources and timeline.
Exhibit families that work in real venues
- Optics and illusions: mirrors, anamorphosis, ambiguous images
- Sound and wave phenomena
- The five senses, including low-maintenance smell exhibits
- Classic physics built for public use: Bernoulli, motion, forces
- Immersive zones built on light, surprise and discovery
Real exhibits from our Brussels venue
2. STEM workshop programmes
You don’t need a science centre to start. With one room, you can run a strong STEM programme. If you can travel to schools, a mobile format can reach many classes.
What we provide
- Workshop selection by age, space, timing and learning goals
- Session plans: steps, key questions, common misconceptions
- Materials lists with low-cost, locally available sourcing
- Facilitator training: engagement and class management
- Safety, setup and reset routines
- Kits assembled locally, or bought with our guidance
Example workshop themes
Robotics and self-driving cars with Thymio · The five senses · Sound · Light and rainbows · Reflections · Magnetism · Optical illusions and perception
Delivery models
Run workshops in your own room, deliver mobile workshops in schools, or combine both. Scientastic supports you with documentation, training and guidance on kits and procurement.
3. Explainer services: bring your exhibits to life
Many science centres own excellent exhibits that visitors walk past in seconds. A trained explainer can turn the same exhibit into a memorable moment for dozens of visitors at a time.
We help you set up or strengthen your explainer service:
- Choosing which exhibits benefit most from a live presentation
- Scripts for short live shows (5–15 minutes): hook, demonstration, audience participation, explanation
- On-site or remote training for your explainers: stage presence, handling groups, answering questions, safety
- Interactive training materials your team keeps after we leave
Signature programme: the levitation mirror
The “anti-gravity” mirror is found in many science centres but is often underused. At Scientastic it was one of our most popular live shows. We train your explainers to run it as a crowd-pleasing show that also explains the science of reflection and symmetry, using our own supporting materials.
How we work
- Needs map: audience, space, staffing, maintenance capacity, budget
- Shortlist: exhibits or workshops, layout and visitor flow
- Pathway: local build or procurement (specifications, comparisons, prototypes if needed)
- Installation readiness: safety and acceptance checks
- Training and handover: operations, maintenance, reset routines
What you receive
- Concept notes: visitor action, learning outcome, key message
- Exhibit specification sheets: dimensions, materials, interaction, safety
- Maintenance and spare-parts guidance
- Procurement comparison grid (if buying)
- Installation and acceptance checklist
- Staff training outline
Fees
As a non-profit, Scientastic works on agreed cost recovery. Exhibition support is usually organised in phases with defined deliverables. Travel and materials are reimbursed at cost. You always receive a clear work plan showing what is included.
Let’s map your project
Tell us your country and city, the ages of your audience, the space available, your constraints and your timeline. We will propose a practical support plan.
Email: info@scientastic.be