Something exciting visited town, so parents and children trooped to The Gallery of Ayala Center Cebu where they were told to get ready as the circus will soon open its doors.
There were no acrobats, trapeze acts, clowns and magicians, but the experience inside The Mind Museum’s traveling exhibition aptly called the “Science Circus: Step Right Up!” was just as enjoyable —and dizzying— as a typical circus scene.
Opened for private viewing and experience last Aug. 24 and subsequently made available for the enjoyment of the public until Sept. 11, the Science Circus presented science in action which included interactive exhibits which piqued the interest of both parents and children.
This mother and the three mutants, along with our trusted Ate Joy, joined the fun in an afternoon filled with experiential learning in Science.
With all the running and jumping which happened that afternoon, we were treated to a Physical Education class too, reminiscent of high school sessions where we were made to run on the track to determine the fastest and most enduring athlete.
The Science Circus, which consisted of three rings, was designed to unveil the mysteries behind the illusions to be enjoyed by kids and kids at heart.
The three rings also carry the following names:
Deception Perception (Ring 1), Pieces of Engineering (Ring 2) and Ring for Masters (Ring 3).
At Ring 1 called Deception Perception, colors and lines and wheels were put to create exhibits which were bound to dazzle the guests.
Ring 2 was made especially for future engineers.
It is no wonder it was named ”Pieces of Engineering“ where sizes and shapes were brought together for kids who love to create and build. The Ring for Masters (Ring 3) dwelled on patterns and puzzles which put to test the mental abilities and problem-solving skills of the one who mustered the courage to try them out.
At the area named “Color Spinners,” we learned from an info board that our eyes detect color with special cells called cones. We have three cones: red, blue and green.
Mutant No. 2, also known as Antoinette, enjoyed this spot.
We spun the color wheels and watched them combine colors to form new ones.
According to Arizona State University School of Life Sciences, the three types of cones are commonly labeled by the color at which they are most sensitive. But that this does not mean that other colors cannot be detected.
The overlap of the cones and how the brain integrates the signals sent from them allows us to see millions of colors.
Nicholas totally enjoyed the “Astounding Automata“ where he was a ringmaster for a couple of minutes and conducted the Clockwork Troupe by assembling different sets of gears on the control panels under each mechanical performer.
He was focused at one point making sure he was performing his job. At another time, he was laughing clearly enjoying himself as he saw the Clockwork Troupe moving.
Astounding indeed!
Jeff Junior stood before the Mirrors of Mystique with his fancy red hat and sword made from rubber mats.
He was confused when he saw his image warped beyond recognition.
We all had fun taking turns at experiencing the marvel of the mirrors. Since the mirrors curve inward and outward, unlike regular mirrors, they distorted the way we looked.
We dared not enter
The Perception Room on our first visit as we were forewarned that it is going to be a dizzying experience.
On the second visit, I went in and braved the experience.
The room was designed to make our eyes think the floor is horizontal and the walls vertical.
It gets confusing and dizzying as our internal sense of up and down, which the info board explained is the organ in our inner ear, says something else.
I didn’t stay long inside the Perception Room, afraid that I might forget my name in the process.
Ate Joy inside the exhibit where she entered a little door at the back and placed her head on a red table.
Again, the exhibition utilized mirrors creating an illusion that her head was floating.
The Science Circus is a traveling exhibition and is currently making the rounds to cities and provinces around the country as part of The Mind Museum’s mission to bring science closer to the general public.
The interactive exhibit is made possible by Thompson Hardware and Lighting Center, Limkaco Industries, Uratex and Mastercard.
A project of Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc.,The Mind Museum is dedicated to provide an extraordinary educational experience that inspires the public’s understanding of science. It is located in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
