Educating for the future

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), a U.S. government agency headquartered in Washington, is one of the key institutions in the fields of climate and ocean research and global data management. Its findings are used by scientists, educational institutions, and the public all around the world. Three years ago, SFÉRA joined this international community. 

In recent months, SFÉRA has also been actively participating in the NOAA Ed Forums, where the organization shares experiences, new approaches, and NOAA presents up-to-date data. This goes beyond mere formal membership in the network. In many ways, the collaboration goes beyond the standard practices of similar institutions. 

“We joined the Science on a Sphere program, which connects institutions working with a unique technology for visualizing global data. This technology makes it possible to translate complex information about the planet into a form that is understandable, shareable, and, above all, experiential. We attended the meeting for the first time in January 2026. The program introduced new datasets and options for working with data overlays, which expand the ways this technology can be used in education,” explains the Science on a Sphere guarantee Kateřina Pacindová. 

“We also took an active role at the next event, named ‘Setting the Stage.’ We presented SFÉRA, its premises, concept, and the approach to working with projections. The participants were particularly interested in the Fantazíro program and the way we involve visitors in it,” adds Kateřina Pacindová. 

SFÉRA maintains regular contact with NOAA—sharing experiences, monitoring current developments, and consulting on the further development of educational and outreach programs. This allows it to offer visitors up-to-date topics and new ways to understand the world around us—from global phenomena to their impact on everyday life. 

Representing SFÉRA at the meeting are Kateřina Pacindová; Tomáš Vencl, a Biology lab lecturer; and Oldřich Koubek, the IT/VR lab guarantee. 

Choose from a rich selection of creative workshops, such as:

• Nature-Inspired Crafts: Moss pictures
• Advent Calendar Workshop
• SFÉRA Full of Angels: St. Nicholas without fear or devils
• Festive Table Runner: Sewing a celebratory tablecloth
• Christmas Star
• Linocut Greeting Cards
• Enamel Heart Pendants
• Silver and Copper Rings
• Everlasting Mistletoe and Holly
• 3D Ornament & Illustrated Card
• Christmas Tie-Dye
• Photoshop Your Own Greeting Card
• You can always find all additional programmes, detailed information, and updates on our website.

ADVENT WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

Advent at SFÉRA is an invitation to pause, create, meet others, and explore. In our workshops and labs, you’ll shape original gifts, ornaments, and decorations—and enjoy the quiet magic of making something with your own hands, a feeling that lingers long after Christmas.

What can you look forward to? 

• 3D printing, robotics, and programmable cars
• Making colourful keychains, macramé netted cases, or leather embossings
• Painting miniatures, sand art, functional jewellery, or artwork from electronic waste
• Game programming, sustainable terrariums, and creating holographic 3D projectors 

Maker Faire ticket: 50 CZK 

The Faire will take place on the terrace and around the building, as well as inside SFÉRA. Don´t miss the unique projection on the two-meter Science on a Sphere globe.  

Then chemistry comes alive at the piazzeta of the Automatic Mills  – the stairs turn into an open-air auditorium, and you will witness substances changing like chameleons. The chemistry show called Science as an Experience will take place at 11.00 am, 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm. No tickets or reservations required. 

Make it yours! On Saturday, you can create your own custom print on unique Czech CityZen T-shirts at the following times: 10.00-12.00 am, 1.00-3.00 pm, and 4.00-6.00 pm. 

DESIGN YOUR VERY OWN CITYZEN T-SHIRT

Thanks to our partners 

Maker Faire Pardubice 2025 is supported by the following technology companies and institutions: ŠKODA Endowment Fund, Prusa Research, Foxconn, VAK Pardubice, ERA a.s., Stäubli, the City of Pardubice, and the Pardubice Region. 

The event is part of the European Heritage Days. 

Where to follow the current program? 

MEET THE MAKERS IN PARDUBICE 

List of workshops in SFÉRA 

Twine Lab – Macramé Tricks & Tips 

Design Your Own CityZen T-shirt 

The Microcosm in Your Mouth 

Robo-Workshop 

Science as an Experience – Where Reactions Come Alive and Colors Speak 

How a Hologram is Made – And Can You Make One at Home? 

Guided Tour of SFÉRA with a Science on a Sphere Demonstration 

A Story with Science on a Sphere – Nothing but Water 

Workshops and weekend program in SFÉRA:

RESERVATIONS

What is Maker Faire? 

Maker Faire is an international festival that started in the USA and now takes place all over the world. Its goal is to connect 21st-century makers – innovators, designers, inventors, tinkerers, and enthusiasts – and to inspire visitors to create. A maker is anyone with a creative spirit and a passion for exploring new ideas. 

During his time at SFÉRA, the Ambassador experienced the Science on a Sphere Room with its cutting-edge educational technology. He also observed a live lesson in the Textiles and Wood Workshop, toured the laboratories, and visited the Spherical Playground — a favourite spot among our youngest guests.

He expressed appreciation not only for the architectural elegance of the Automatic Mills, but also for our innovative integration of learning, creativity, and modern tools. We also took the opportunity to showcase our collaboration with industry partners, which enables us to incorporate real-world technologies into education and connect students with hands-on experience.

Earlier that day, the Ambassador explored the historic city centre, met city officials, and officially launched the Frankoscene Festival.