Summer is the time when people goes to the beach and enjoy the waters. Some prefers to stay at home since it can get really hot in Japan. And as for other people, they travel in spite of the heat or go overseas for an adventure. I took latter one. Last Spring, I enrolled in this course called Science Communication – Overseas program where the students would have an opportunity to travel to London. There were two groups available: London Science Museum (LSM) Internship and Science Communication Research Group (SCRG). I chose to be part of the LSM Group as I’m very interested in museums. I originally perceived the London Science Museum as a typical museum where people would not be interested into, but I was proven wrong along the way.
Upon arriving at the site on August 25, I was overwhelmed by the number of visitors in the museum that we even had a hard time exploring since it was over-crowded. Other than being free admission to the public, there were several activities and interactive galleries where kids and even adults can enjoy.
The 5-day internship at the London Science Museum offered us great opportunities to learn more about Science Communication through demonstrations, workshops, and exploring several collections in the galleries. We were able to experience the interactive learning that the museum offered to the public suited for all ages. During the first day, we mainly had to explore the museum by ourselves. There were several activities to choose from inside the museum: IMAX theatre, exhibitions, simulators, and games.
For the second day, the coordinators introduced to us the Launchpad where several interactive experiments can be tried out. A funny, yet educational show regarding fire and explosions was performed by one of the museum staff that day together with the bubble show. We participated on the meeting of their late-night events during the third day at the Dana Center where we managed to know more of the members of the team. We also took part for the activities of the “Lates” event, where the museum opens during the night for adults to enjoy the museum casually with drinks and non-children activities. The theme for that day was “Hedonism: Drugs, sex, and music”.
For the following days, the coordinators toured us inside the museum where they explained some of the history of the collections and had us experience some of their hi-tech simulators. They also introduced to us the kind of technologies they use to extend science communication through the use of smartphone applications. The workshops we attended during the internship taught us how to communicate science by learning some science tricks and explaining to everybody how it works. And for the last day, we were exposed to seminars held by speakers of various fields and expertise. They gave us some mind-opening talks as it opened doors to a different world of science. Finally, our day ended by sharing our insights of the museum to Ms. Dominique, the person-in-charge of us and we had a group picture together. The whole London Science Museum internship was definitely a great experience!
We had several free times while we were on our internship in London. What I can say is that London is definitely one of the places to visit in a person’s lifetime! I was very amazed on how the architecture of the city can be preserved to its traditional structure. It gave me a first-hand experience to be walking on a Victorian-style city filled with art and history. It was amusing how random strangers would greet you in the streets.
One of the extra-curricular activities I enjoyed the most was the musicals. I am dumbfounded on how the musical theatrical shows can communicate to the audience through their words, actions, singing, and emotions. Definitely a must-do in London!
Other than the science museum, we visited several museums as well such as the British Museum, Natural and History Museum, National Gallery, and many more. I truly admire how the country gives such importance to museums. The museums in London are freely accessible to everyone, which gives the people liberty to explore and learn about the past, present, and future without limits. Compared to some museums I visited in different countries, the ones in London were very crowded with enthusiastic children and adults. Most people would perceive museums to be boring, but not in London where it can be fun and interactive for all ages. The experience I had was indeed remarkable. Given another chance, I would love to go back again and explore more of its beauty!
I have learned so much during the 10-day trip to London. Not only did I meet amazing people with great minds and talents, I also gained new friends whom I shared the experience with. Being with those people who shares the same interests made the trip more gratifying. And it would not have been possible if not for the support of Prof. Nohara, Prof. Norton, Ms. Kawano, Ms. Tago, Scholarship committee, Ms. Dominique Sleet, and London Science Museum staffs. It was indeed a great pleasure to be part of the program what would definitely leave a mark in my life.
