RØRVIK, NORWAY: Newton Nærøysund is located in Rørvik, a town and the administrative center of Nærøysund municipality in Trøndelag. The Newton Room has been established in one of the wharves on Havnagata in Rørvik.
SalMar, one of the world’s largest producers of farmed salmon, was responsible for constructing the room and is covering the operating costs of the building. They are also contributing to transportation costs from the schools to the Newton Room. Nærøysund municipality has allocated two 25% teaching positions for instruction in the Newton Room.
From left: Municipal Manager Kirsti Fjær, Mayor Amund Hellesø, Martin Hellesø from SalMar, and Per-Arild Konradsen from FIRST Scandinavia. Photo: FIRST Scandinavia
Newton teachers Ellen Gulaker and Rakel Kongsmo welcomed the guests. Municipal Manager Kirsti Fjær, who has been actively involved in the establishment of the Newton Room, opened the day by welcoming everyone. This was followed by artistic performances from the local culture school, before speeches were held by Mayor Amund Hellesø, Per-Arild Konradsen (CEO and founder of FIRST Scandinavia), and Martin Hellesø (head of SalMar’s visitor center).
The municipality's 9th-grade students will be taught the Newton module "Plastics – from Macro to Micro". Photo: FIRST Scandinavia
In his speech, Mayor Amund Hellesø expressed great thanks to the business community, the municipal administration, and FIRST Scandinavia for the extensive work done over the years.
“I’m very happy that, starting today, our children will have this opportunity. What’s great about this concept is that it never goes out of style – it can always be renewed,” he said, and cutting the ribbon to officially open the room.
Martin Hellesø, head of SalMar’s visitor center, said the Newton Room in Nærøysund represents an important investment in the region’s future and in children's and youth’s knowledge, curiosity, and creativity.
“SalMar has participated in building and financing this room because we strongly believe in the importance of practical and engaging STEM education,” he said.
Initially, the Newton Room in Nærøysund will offer the modules "Search and resue" and "Plastics – from Macro to Micro" to the municipality’s 5th and 9th graders. Test groups of students have already received instruction in the room, and the feedback has been very positive.
Per-Arild Konradsen, who has worked on the establishment in Nærøysund for many years, was a happy man after the opening:
“For many years, we have been in dialogue with the municipality and the business community in Nærøysund to open a Newton Room, and I am quite proud that the room is now complete. National politicians are calling for more practical and varied STEM education, and that’s exactly what children and youth in Nærøysund will now receive through the Newton concept. Both SalMar and Nærøysund municipality have proven to be generous and great partners, with the municipality’s youngest in mind. We’re excited to welcome Rakel and Ellen into the Newton Network and welcome Newton Nærøysund as Norway’s 33rd Newton Room,” concluded Per-Arild.
Newton teachers Ellen Gulaker and Rakel Kongsmo welcomed guests to the Newton Room. Photo: FIRST Scandinavia
Mayor of Nærøysund, Amund Hellesø, opened the room with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo: Nærøysund municipality
Students demonstrated the plastic module to guests. Photo: Nærøysund municipality
