Forest Pop-up Sensory Universe

Title: Forest

Location: FNUG, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
Date: April 2022
Role: Curator and Project Lead

Concept: The Forest exhibition transformed an indoor space into a sensory-rich environment themed around the natural world. Part of the LabSTEM project, the exhibition aimed to engage children and families in science through experiential learning and hands-on activities. Visitors explored life around a tree stump, designed to spark curiosity about ecology, life sciences, and the interconnections within natural habitats.
Key Elements: The installation featured tactile stations with moss, leaves, and animal skins, a large tree stump with embedded sensory activities, and ‘nests’ for role-playing. Visitors could explore different textures barefoot on forest floor materials and use stereoscopes to examine insects and plants. The exhibition also included scent bottles with forest-related fragrances like rosemary and cinnamon, and tasting stations with edible insects to challenge culinary boundaries and evoke new sensory experiences.
Collaborators: The project was developed by Connie Svabo (Professor and FNUG Director), Stine Mariegaard (Postdoc, FNUG), Katrine Rørth (Designer, FNUG), and other FNUG team members including Katrine Bennedsen, Katrine Bergkvist Borch, and Lisbet Foged. The event was supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Region Syddanmark’s Educational Fund.
Audience or Impact: The Forest sensory universe attracted local daycare groups and families, providing an immersive learning experience that fostered a deep connection to nature. By focusing on multi-sensory engagement, the exhibition encouraged participants to explore scientific concepts and environmental themes, thereby reinforcing the importance of integrating experiential learning into STEM education for young audiences.