So Genius! Summer Open House 2009

Last May 30, 2009, we welcomed 300 children and adults at the Museo Pambata to celebrate the children’s learning experiences in different Gakken Science Experiment Classrooms last summer.

The children, who preferred to be called “young scientists,” had diligently and enthusiastically conducted various experiments on Air, Sound, Magnets, Air Vortex and Pressure, Freezing Cold Temperature, and Mirror (Light). They also worked on projects that answered questions they had in mind. It was apt to celebrate the children’s own genius!

The museum’s Karapatan Hall and exhibit area looked so much like a gigantic laboratory that day. There were five experiment stations where families and guests tried out some of the Gakken SEC experiments. The high walls were covered with candy-coloured posters of the young scientists’ plans, blueprints, journals and sketches of their project work processes. Every table, nook and cranny proudly displayed their handiwork–little gadgets, models, storybooks, toys—which were all interactive.

The VIPs of our event were none other than the young scientists of course! Seats nearest the stage were reserved for them, while parents and guests sat at the back. A video presentation of the children in action this summer played on loop, blasting happy party tunes.

Tito Popot (Mr. William Lorenzana Jr.) graced the event. As VP Corporate Supply Chain of Jollibee Foods Corporation, he illustrated to the children how he uses Science in his work. Who could have imagined the size of the refrigerators, conveyor belts and other machines that work to get our favourite yummies in the restaurants! They use blast freezing and delivery vans with freezers! They also use huge metal detectors (which work like huge magnets) that sound whenever any trace of metal is found in the food. There are other scientists in their Quality Assurance Department, too. All those science to keep the foods fresh, clean and safe!

Tita Nina (Ms. Cristina Lim-Yuson) also welcomed the children to Museo Pambata which she founded with her mom 15 years ago. She told the children that Science is thinking. In putting up exhibits in this museum, she and her teams need to think, think, and think! She encouraged the children to be “good thinkers,” not to be lazy or easily forgetful. To tease their thinking caps, she gave away metallic paper plates and asked the children to think of as many ways the plate may be used. Yes, it could be a frisbee… how about a mirror? A pair of shoes? A cap for a tin man? As educator and scientist, Tita Nina wonderfully reminded us of how inquisitiveness and creativity are vital to our children’s overall development.

During the awarding ceremony, the Gakken SEC teachers called on their students and pinned a unique award on each of them. Parents were also given their child’s self-reflection reports and class narrative.

Teachers who worked hard on days’ end were ecstatic to finally share the fruits of their labour to their students and their families.

May 30 was indeed an exhausting yet fun-filled day for all of us! We thank you all–parents, teachers, partners, and our supporters from Purefoods, Magnolia Ice Cream, Ganban, and Bluethumb–for believing in children.