Curiosity Cube Sparks AI Curiosity Among Primary School Pupils at UB
The Curiosity Cube, a mobile science laboratory and the first of its kind in Africa, continues to draw enthusiastic young minds as more primary schools visit the University of Botswana (UB) campus. Launched in 2025 with the ambitious goal of reaching 60 000 pupils globally, the Cube is currently on a southern African tour, making stops in Botswana, Eswatini, South Africa, Lesotho and Namibia.
In an age shaped by the rapid pace of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the Curiosity Cube, developed in partnership with the University of Botswana, seeks to foster scientific curiosity and digital literacy from an early age. The initiative immerses learners in practical, hands-on experiences designed to nurture critical thinking and build essential STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills.
This year’s theme, Artificial Intelligence (AI), challenges young pupils to explore how AI is integrated into everyday life. Through interactive learning sessions, they engage with digital authentication activities where they learn to differentiate AI-generated images, explore pattern sequencing to understand how machines mimic human behaviour and take part in robotics simulations involving self-driving cars that recognise patterns and images drawn and applied by the pupils themselves.
Among the schools in attendance were Tshiamo Primary School, Lesedi Primary School and Camp Primary School, whose students were visibly excited by the opportunity to experiment with technology in such a fun and engaging setting.
Asked whether AI would be useful in the future, Angel Modise, a Standard Three (3) pupil from Camp Primary School, shared her thoughts with confidence. “When I grow up, I want to be a businesswoman and a writer, an author. AI will only be useful for giving me ideas,” she said with a smile.
Through initiatives such as the Curiosity Cube, young learners are not only being introduced to the possibilities of science and technology but are also empowered to imagine the kind of future they want to shape.