The New Newton Room opened in Kristiansund

KRISTIANSUND/NORWAY: Sparebanken Møre supports this modern 130-square-meter facility as an exciting and practical learning space for children and young people. Here, they can explore STEM subjects through innovative modules and activities.

The project is a collaboration between Kristiansund Municipality, First Scandinavia , Møre og Romsdal County Municipality, and Sparebanken Møre. Developed since the first meetings in 2021, it marks a significant milestone in promoting STEM education in Kristiansund and the Nordmøre region.

“It has been incredibly inspiring to help realize this Newton Room, which is a gift from Sparebanken Møre to the children and young people of Kristiansund. The municipality, county, and FIRST Scandinavia have done a fantastic job facilitating this initiative and establishing strong models for collaboration and operations. We look forward to seeing the room in use and witnessing the ripple effects of this initiative,” said Tore Vevang, bank manager at Sparebanken Møre in Kristiansund.

Inauguration Speech. Tore Vevang, Sparebanken Møre, Kristiansund. All photos: FIRST Scandinavia

“We are delighted to open the third Newton Room in Møre og Romsdal. It will enable many children and young students to engage in practical STEM education in an interdisciplinary setting, hopefully motivating them to pursue these subjects further. We are proud of the trust Kristiansund Municipality and Sparebanken Møre have placed in us to establish this Newton Room,” said Per-Arild Konradsen, CEO of FIRST Scandinavia.

Per-Arild Konradsen,Founder and CEO in FIRST Scandinavia.

The day's program included speeches by sponsors and partners, with Mayor Kjell Neergaard officiating the opening alongside students from Nordlandet Youth School. Attendees explored the learning equipment and participated in activities led by Newton teacher Eirunn Eri Monge.

Newton Møre Kristiansund features modules such as “Robots and Perimeter” for 11-year-olds, “Energetic! Exploring Energy” for ages 13–15, and “The Inventor” for ages 8–9, delivering STEM education engagingly and practically.

Opening Ceremony. Mayor Kjell Neergaard and students officially opened the room with a robot programmed to cut the ribbon.

Eirunn Eri Monge began her role as a Newton teacher on May 1, after previously working as a special education teacher. She is a certified elementary school teacher in STEM subjects, with a master’s degree in special education and a bachelor’s degree in sports science.

“I came across the job posting a year ago and was very excited about the idea of being part of establishing such an educational initiative in Nordmøre,” she explains.

Newton Teacher Eirunn Eri Monge.

Since starting in May, she has been involved in the establishment and construction of the Newton Room and has found the process very educational.

“Fortunately, many had already been involved in the process before I joined, so the groundwork was solid. The establishment team from FIRST Scandinavia has been steady, and the municipality has given me great freedom to influence both my daily work and the offerings we will provide here. I commend the municipality for daring to invest in such an initiative,” she says. She also acknowledges sponsors like Sparebanken Møre and Møre og Romsdal County Municipality, who have provided strong financial support for the project.

– What does having a Newton Room mean for the local community in Kristiansund?

“I think it’s highly significant for both students and teachers to step out of the classroom and experience a different kind of school day. This fall, I visited all the schools in the municipality to share information and gauge the atmosphere. Everyone seems positive and excited, and the first school class is already coming next week. The Newton Room in Kristiansund will make its presence known—we will claim our place in the community and show why a practical and exploratory approach to subject matter is important,” says Eirunn.

According to her, the choice of modules was a combination of input from the municipality’s education sector and a desire to include students from all primary school levels. Eirunn sees promising opportunities to expand the number of modules next year and hopes to add another teacher. She is also impressed by the local business community’s engagement.

“I have already been contacted by various companies from different industries that are very positive about collaboration. We’ve had discussions with some, but we need to launch and get a feel for operations before expanding these partnerships.”

– How do you feel now that the room has opened?

“It’s a thrilling mix of joy, relief, excitement, and a sort of release of nervous energy. I’ve worked intensively on all the arrangements for the opening week, so it feels great to have reached this milestone. Even though there’s still much work ahead, it’s okay to celebrate a little extra today! It’s wonderful to see everyone who showed up. But I must admit, I’m most looking forward to the students coming—it’s they who will benefit the most from what will happen here in the Newton Room,” Eirunn concludes.

For FIRST Scandinavia, the organisation behind the Newton concept, further development is key. Thanks to collaboration with Sparebanken Møre, it has been possible to create and introduce new elements to the Newton Rooms, with Kristiansund students being the first to experience them. These new features emphasize nature and create a stronger connection to the theme of sustainability. Among the innovations is a Newton Tree—an eye-catching element that also ties into STEM subjects in various ways.

Additionally, a new, round version of the amphitheater has been developed. This layout allows students to sit in a semicircle, encouraging dialogue during reflection sessions while fostering proximity to the Newton teacher, the screen, and the front of the room. The tree and the amphitheater are designed with visual harmony, incorporating common design elements.

The circular shape extends into a ceiling raft in the laboratory area, featuring lighting and a globe motif, which adds a balanced and engaging atmosphere to the space.

Less visible but equally important are the high-tech systems controlling lighting, sound, and visuals. These systems include multiple scenarios that the Newton teacher can use during lessons.

Newton Møre, Kristiansund, will also feature a Pepper robot, serving as both a small assistant and a fascinating attraction for students and visitors to the Newton Room.

With its unique design, this Newton Room stands out as a well-executed and inspiring space in the new facilities at Campus Kristiansund.