Last weekend, our Templer Park International School Rawang crew took a trip that was out of this world – we visited Planetarium Negara in Kuala Lumpur! It was an exciting, educational adventure that had us all wide-eyed and full of wonder. Here’s a peek at the fun we had and all the awesome things we experienced together!
The Hike Up: A Mini Adventure to Begin
Our journey began with a bit of a climb – 120 concrete steps up to the entrance of the planetarium. It was a bit of a workout, but totally worth it once we reached the top! While it wasn’t the easiest route for strollers or toddlers, the kids (and the adults!) had a blast together tackling the steps. Plus, the view at the top was already making us excited for what was to come.
Stepping Into a Space Fantasy
Once inside, we were transported to another world. The interactive exhibits were amazing! We first entered through a teleport-like chamber (a bit like stepping into a sci-fi movie). The kids couldn’t stop laughing as they floated around in the anti-gravity room, pretending they were astronauts in space. Then, we took a thrilling ride down the escape slide and zoomed through the black hole simulator – so much fun!
Learning About Malaysia’s Space Journey
One of the coolest parts was checking out Malaysia’s space history. We got to see the Ariane IV space engine, the very rocket that launched Malaysia’s first satellite into space! The kids were fascinated by the space suit worn by our first astronaut, Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor. They even got a peek at the astronaut’s meal packs, and yes – the famous nasi lemak was part of his space menu! Everyone had a good laugh imagining eating Malaysia’s national dish while floating in space.
Experiencing Life in Space
Ever wondered what it would be like to live in space? We got to try it out! The mock-up space pods allowed us to experience what it might be like to sleep, eat, and use the special toilets astronauts use on missions. Some of the kids even got inside the Space Ball – a giant gyroscopic device that simulates the feeling of floating in zero gravity. It was definitely one of the highlights of the day!
Reaching for the Stars
After all that excitement, we headed up to the Viewing Gallery. The tower gave us incredible views of the Lake Gardens and the city. We even got to visit the space observatory, where we spotted distant planets through the telescope. The kids were fascinated, and it felt like we were really reaching for the stars!
The Dome: A Movie Experience Like No Other
The grand finale of our visit was the dome auditorium. We settled into reclining chairs and watched a space documentary projected onto the ceiling of the giant dome. It was so immersive – we felt like we were floating in space alongside the stars! The kids were mesmerized by the films, and even the adults were glued to the screen. It was the perfect way to end our space adventure.
A Trip to Remember
Our visit to Planetarium Negara sparked so much curiosity and excitement about science and space exploration among our students. It was an incredible experience that showed how learning about the universe can inspire wonder and creativity. Who knows? Maybe the next generation of astronauts, scientists, or engineers was inspired by what they saw! 🚀🌟