New science room at Museo launched

MANILA, Philippines –  The Museo Pambata launched recently its “I Love My Planet Earth” theme room, which aims to teach children how they could help prevent the effects of climate change from worsening.

Museo Pambata president and chief executive officer Nina Lim-Yuson said that the museum has in the last 16 years changed the Science Room twice. This time, using a grant from the Motorola Foundation USA, that they had to come up with an idea on how to explain climate change to a 12-year-old child.

At the center of the 380-square meter room designed by Joselito Tecson is the floor board game. On the right side of the room is the water section where children are taught not to waste water. Further along, the concept of “recycle-reuse” is introduced with pictures that allow children to decide what can be reused or recycled.

The walls are also covered with reminders such as “I switch off the lights when leaving the room,” “I turn off the faucet when I brush my teeth,” “I will use both sides of the paper,” and “I will rather walk if it is a short distance.”

Museo Pambata also presents in a simplified way the different kinds of renewable energy, and compared how people used to live before and how they live now. Big flash cards all around the room give tips on how to reduce greenhouse gases.

A simple game on segregating waste materials.

Yuson said dedicating a room to climate change is important, since the Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to erratic weather patterns.

According to the survey conducted by Pulse Asia, seven of 10 Filipinos acknowledge the dangers posed by unpredictable changes in the weather.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, the Museo’s honorary chairman, issued orders that honor students from the 32 public high schools and 71 public elementary schools in the city should see the exhibit. “It would broaden their knowledge and teach them how to take care of their environment.” 

Some of the things that young Manileños can do for their environment is to help with the cleaning of their surroundings, protect and care for trees, avoid producing more pollution, and learn to segregate garbage and set aside that which can still be used or recycled.

United States Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. said in his speech, “We have reached a point where the significant concerns about whether the weather, the environment we know today, will still be here for our children. Like you, I have a child. I would like to be a grandfather someday. I hope that my daughter and my future grandchildren will inherit a world that is safe, healthy and clean.”

“We are teaching future children, future generations to cherish, protect and preserve the environment. It is critical to every nation. It requires vision, perseverance and passion,” he said.

He added that saving the world is a collective effort and cannot be achieved by one individual. “It is something that I have learned by being here in the Philippines – you don’t do anything by yourself. You do everything together with your friends, your family, your church. It is so important, that we all need to copy what is done in the Philippines.”

South African Ambassador Agnes Nyamande-Pitso also praised the “I Love My Planet Earth” room, calling it “amazing.” She added that the renovated Science Room was presented in such a way that would be easy for kids to understand. “It’s a kid-friendly in terms of understandability. Me, as an adult, I wish I was young. It’s fun.”

She said that in South Africa, they have various projects that help children understand the use of natural resources, “but I think this is one of a kind. It is more fun. It is a room where they can have fun while learning.”

Aside from the Science Room, Yuson said that they also recently launched the book “101 Crafts to Make With Toilet Paper Roll Tubes,” which shows kids various creative ways on how toilet paper roll tubes, which are usually thrown away, can be used to make toys, games and gifts.

Museo also launched the two publications, “A Reference Guide on Climate Change” and “Saving My Planet Earth.”