I'm a science centre professional who occasionally finds himself teaching in the formal classroom. I've been lucky to have had opportunities to visit numerous science centres and museums the world over, and am happy to share what I've experienced through my perspective.
For my other posts (on my travels, leisure, and food), visit my other site at www.danjumbuck.com.
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Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Photo: Child captivated with fountain at Universal Studios Singapore.
One of my favourite souvenirs from the beautiful city of Cape Town is not anything fancy, nothing tourist’y, and probably least expected. It’s a cardboard box in which my laundered clothes came in at the hotel I stayed. It has zebra stripes, is a really nice sturdy box, and it was just really cool. And I took the trouble to unfold it flat to bring it back all the way to KL.
Which brings me to my picture. In the escapade which is the Universal Studios Singapore - full of rides, attractions, activities, and other other-worldly things to do, this little girl spent minutes just staring at the fountain. She was so captivated by either the water or the feel of the water that she was as still as stone. I’ve little doubt that she would remember that afternoon for years to come, if not the details, at least for the impression that it was a day to definitely remember.
And that’s the thing about experiences, sometimes the little things make a big difference. In some of the science centres and museums I’ve been, so much effort has gone into some mind-blowing exhibits only to have crappy benches that pinch or nowhere to grab a bite/drink. I strongly believe that the sum of the whole matters more than the parts; a few great exhibits does not make up for a lack of general comfort.
I’ve been privileged to visit the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, Canada which in the industry, is looked up to as one of the leaders of the field (and it definitely can claim that spot). It’s a long way getting there for me and as much as I enjoyed the exhibitions, the gift shop, and the warm and learned staff - one of my most memorable experience there is having a sandwich and cold chocolate milk at the cafeteria while looking out for raccoons at the ‘wilderness’ outside. I’m not sure if this memory is what the centre would like visitors to leave with but it’s an important one for me for sure.
In a free-choice learning environment, we try to curate and create opportunities for our visitors to be inspired, to gain something new, to be moved… but we must remember that unglamorous as it is to spend time acquiring decent carpeting and practical seating… these fringe components (and the many others) are a tremendously invaluable part of the whole.
Ask the little girl in the photo…
