September has been an exciting month for STEM education in Norway — with not just one, but two brand-new Newton Rooms opening their doors to eager students and teachers.
NORWAY: Both Volda in Møre og Romsdal and Stord in Vestland can now welcome pupils to inspiring learning environments designed to bring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to life.
With Newton Stord and Newton Møre, Volda, there are now 34 Newton Rooms in Norway.
Newton Volda: A Regional Investment in the Future
On Friday, September 12, the new Newton Room in Volda officially opened in bright, modern facilities at Voldabadet. The event was marked by enthusiasm from local leaders, educators, and partners, all gathered to celebrate the municipality’s commitment to strengthening STEM learning.
Mayor Sølvi Dimmen and Municipal Director Per Ivar Kongsvik welcomed guests, followed by speeches from Per-Arild Konradsen (FIRST Scandinavia), Trond Nydal (Sparebanken Møre), and Newton teachers Gina Rundtom and Kristoffer Åreskjold.
Students from the 8th grade had even programmed robots to cut the ribbon and officially declare the room open. Guests later tried the “Search and rescue” module, while Kristoffer Åreskjold introduced “We explore energy”.
Per Arild Konradsen, FIRST Scandinavia; Per Ivar Kongsvik, Head of Education, Hanne Karete Hamre, Bank Manager, Sparebanken Møre Volda; Mayor Sølvi Dimmen; Trond Nydal, Sparebanken Møre; and Sindre Monsholm, Sparebanken Møre Volda. Photos: FIRST Scandinavia
The new Newton Room is the third in Møre og Romsdal, established through collaboration between Sparebanken Møre and FIRST Scandinavia, following Ålesund and Kristiansund. The bank has contributed five million NOK to the establishment and is the formal donor to Newton Møre Volda, while the municipality will oversee daily operations and development.
“This is the third Newton Room in Møre og Romsdal that Sparebanken Møre has invested in, showing an impressive commitment to education in the region. The room will give many children and young people the opportunity to engage in hands-on STEM learning and hopefully inspire them to pursue these subjects further,” said Per-Arild Konradsen, CEO of FIRST Scandinavia.
New physical and visual elements have been specially developed for Newton Volda to connect learning with nature and sustainability. Highlights include a Newton apple tree, a Snapchat conversation with Isaac Newton, and a forest with local animals , designed to spark curiosity and meaningful discussions.
Newton Stord: A Dream Finally Realised
Just ten days later, on Monday, September 22, it was Stord’s turn to celebrate. After several years of planning, Newton Stord officially opened at Nysæter Lower Secondary School, marking a milestone for the municipality.
Educational advisor and project manager Franny Maria Bøthner has been the driving force behind the project for the last years.
Educational advisor and project manager for Newton Stord, Franny Maria Bøthner (right), together with Newton teacher Christine Aanderaa Johnsen. All photos: FIRST Scandinavia.
“When I started my job in the fall of 2022, the school was nearly finished, and the Newton Room was there — but empty. With great help during the Stord Conference in 2023 and political support in 2024, we were finally able to sign the contract last December. Opening the room now feels both surreal and deeply rewarding,” she said.
“We want to offer exciting and relevant STEM education to pupils and teachers, not only in Stord but across the region. We aim for more practical teaching and a stronger focus on science,” said Franny.
Newton Teacher Christine Aanderaa Johnsen will lead weekly lessons in the modules “We explore energy” and “Robots and Circumference”
The opening event featured speeches from Mayor Sigbjørn Framnes, Municipal Director Tommy Johansen, Arve Havnerås (SpareBank 1 Norge), and Per-Arild Konradsen (FIRST Scandinavia), who proudly welcomed another Newton Room into the growing Norwegian network.
Newton Stord was made possible through strong partnerships between Stord Municipality, SpareBank 1 Norge, Aker Solutions, Multiconsult, Leirvik, SKL, and SpareBank 1 Foundation Kvinnherad.
Students demonstrated the Newton module “We explore energy” during the opening.
In addition, Atle Wigum, CEO of Subshore, donated equipment for two kindergarten modules — “The Coolest Fish” and “Lifte of the BumbleBee” — ensuring that even the youngest children can experience the joy of learning through play and exploration.
Growing network
With the addition of Newton Volda and Newton Stord, the Newton network in Norway continues to grow, connecting schools, local governments, and businesses with a shared mission: to make science engaging, relevant, and accessible.
“Both openings highlight the power of collaboration between municipalities, industry partners, banks, and FIRST Scandinavia. Each new Newton Room represents a long-term investment in education and opportunity. Seeing two new rooms open in the same month is a fantastic milestone for the Newton Concept and for STEM learning in Norway,” says Per-Arild Konradsen.
We congratulate Stord and Volda on their new Newton Rooms.
