Researchers, universities of applied sciences, research universities and museums from across the country will gather in the historic city centre for Expeditie NEXT, presenting innovative exhibits and research projects. The aim of  Dutch Research Council NWO is to inspire children aged 4 to 12 and their curious companions to engage with science.

Getting to work on big questions about tomorrow

With the interactive exhibit “How Does the Future Feel?”, communication scientists Bert Bakker and Linda Bomm will be present at the festival. Children aged 4 to 12 can explore big questions about tomorrow in a playful way: What do you think is truly important for the future? And how does that actually feel?

Literally building your own vision of the future

The space features a colourful setup with large blocks. Each block represents a topic related to the future, such as climate change, smart inventions, poverty in the Netherlands and education. Children choose the topics that appeal to them, add an emotion (happy, angry, worried, curious), and then place the blocks in one of three categories: very important, somewhat important or not important at all. In this way, they quite literally build their own vision of the future - and show how it feels.

Meaningful, surprisingly mature conversations

The activity makes it visible that making choices is part of the process, that not everyone considers the same things important, and that emotions play a major role in decision-making. Facilitators briefly engage the children in conversation: Why does this topic make you feel happy? Or perhaps a little worried? This leads to meaningful, surprisingly mature discussions.

Photos form the 'Future Wall'

At the end, each child selects the block that matters most to them. Holding that block (and their chosen emotion), they take a Polaroid photo. All these photos together create the Future Wall: a colourful collage of topics and feelings that shows how children today view the future.

Come and visit

Are you nearby and looking for an enjoyable activity during the May holiday? Stop by. For more information and tickets, visit the Expeditie NEXT website.