By Jasmine Agnes T. Cruz
SCHOOL is for learning while the beach is for fun, right? Not necessarily.
Parents can take their children on a trip that mixes science and fun with the Mind Museum鈥檚 excursion programs. This is what happened last year at the Marine Science Camp held in Batangas, and the Mind Museum hopes to do more of these outdoor, out-of-town, overnight programs.
A space where kids can learn about science, The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City was launched in 2012. A non-profit organization of the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc., the museum received an Outstanding Achievement award from Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), the 鈥淥scars鈥 of the themed entertainment industry around the world, said a press release. Other awardees include the Disney Parks, Cirque du Soleil, and Singapore鈥檚 Gardens by the Bay.
STORIES AND SWIMMING
The Mind Museum鈥檚 first excursion was held at the Aiyanar Beach & Dive Resort in Anilao, Batangas from May 1 to 3, 2014. There the children enjoyed a storytelling session on the Verde Island Passage, a place that is world-renowned for its rich biodiversity, with scientists from California Academy of Sciences (CAS). The storytellers displayed live marine organisms during the session. 鈥淸The organisms were] handled and returned carefully, of course,鈥 said Artha Ting, the museum鈥檚 resident biologist and 鈥淢ind Mover鈥 in an e-mail to 大象传媒.
The group of 40 participants, composed of children and their parents, learned underwater photography, went on a mini treasure hunt, did some coral reef surveying, snorkeled, and identified underwater species.
鈥淏eing an interactive science museum, we wanted to complement our existing programs with a family activity that allows for hands-on appreciation of nature, the very core of the museum鈥檚 value,鈥 said Ms. Ting. 鈥淲e also want the public to understand that being a scientist does not confine one to the laboratory, and that the world is a scientist鈥檚 playground.鈥
That excursion cost around P7,000 per person, which included a one-day ticket to The Mind Museum, programs facilitated by CAS and Museum scientists, activity kits, bus transportation, food, and overnight accommodations at the resort. The number of slots and the rates will vary for future excursions.
The museum is currently planning an astronomy camp in Caliraya, Laguna, which is tentatively scheduled on Nov. 14 to 15. Further details will be released soon.
To stay updated, follow the museum on Facebook @themindmuseum, or e-mail [email protected]. The Mind Museum is located at JY Campos Park, 3rd Ave., Bonifacio Global City. For details call (632) 909-6463, fax (632) 909-6461, or visit www.themindmuseum.org.
