Did you know that the Philippines is the only country in Asia that does not have a world-class Science Museum?
On December 2011, that is about to change as The Mind Museum -- the country's first world-class Science Museum in the heart of Bonifacio Global City -- opens its doors to the public.
Recently, I got the chance to learn more about The Mind Museum project and participate in the sneak peek test of some of the interactive exhibits.About the Mind Museum
The 6,500-sqm museum that looks like a spaceship will be located in a 12,000-sqm Bonifacio Global City prime lot (near Burgos Circle). It will be an eco-friendly facility, funded by 1 billion pesos -- 100% from the donations of corporations and individuals.
I'm excited about the outdoor theme park with giant bubble machines. :)
I can't wait to spend the night at The Mind Museum with my boys, particularly going on that overnight camping trip with them!
I'm curious about The 10 Most Beautiful Experiments...
and wonder what will be featured in The Hall of Philippine Science...
The 5 Galleries of The Mind Museum
The Mind Museum will have five main galleries, namely:
1. The Universe Gallery
Marvel at the grandeur of the Universe and its beginnings.
2. Earth Gallery
See how Nature has changed and evolved over time.
3. The Life Gallery
Discover Life in its various forms, shapes and sizes.
4. Atom Gallery
Explore the extraordinary environment of the Very Small.
5. Technology Gallery
a. How We Live? (Technologies that sustain Food, Clothing and Shelter)
b. Who We Are? Expressions of Our Humanity (Music, Art, Literature)
c. How We Know : Tools for Discovery & Exploration (How we Measure those that were once Elusive, Invisible and Immeasurable)
d. How Things Work : Machines that Changed the Rhythm of Our Collective Lives
e. Here to There : Our Fascination with Speed (From Shoes to the International Space Station)
The Mind Museum Sneak Peek
The Mind Museum hosted a preview of its interactive exhibits to determine the best ones. Some interactive exhibits are the products of the collaboration between Filipino Artists and Scientists to demonstrate the science principles effectively.
These are our favorite exhibits:
Air. Pass your hand over the sensor and watch a tornado form.
This is a how-to-make-a-tornado exhibit, and I believe it's the coolest among the lot. You put your hands over the sensor (found at the bottom). Smoke is released and sucked to the top of the hourglass-type apparatus, which then forms a tornado. Amazing!
Solar Bugs. The sun (represented by the halogen lamp) makes the bugs come alive. Learn how solar energy powers the motor that makes the bugs move.
Last December, the boys got electronic bugs, and they loved it. The bugs in the exhibit are solar-powered, and they wiggle when exposed directly to the light.
Bernoulli’s Principle. Tilt the basket and watch the floating ball follow. Learn more about what makes birds and airplanes fly.
It was amusing to see the floating ball follow the direction of the tilted basket.
Canopy of Life. Marvel at nature’s wonder by watching plants grow or animals move in high speed or slow motion through the Spin Browser.
With a spin of the knob, you can watch nature slowly move forward and backwards.
Spelling Life: DNA and Genes. How much do you know about DNA? Answer the multimedia game and know more about this unique code that is responsible for the diversity in living things.
The older kids would enjoy this science quiz, which tests them on their knowledge of DNA.
Whirlpool. Marvel as the balls spiral around the giant gravity well.
The Mind Museum's version of the gravity well -- our boys' favorite exhibit. :)
Big Small Wonders. Have you ever wondered what lies in the world of the very small? View the tiniest details of various items around you, including your skin, through a hand-held microscope.
This exhibit is promising, but it can be improved. The electronic microscope was difficult to use because of the delay in showing the images.
The Mind Museum Location
The Mind Museum is located near Burgos Circle, on the opposite side of Serendra.
The Mind Museum opens this December 2011.We can't wait!
