School’s out!

By sushma@nst.com.my

So don’t brood at home but explore these exciting places in the Klang Valley that Sushma Veera has checked out

The Planetarium Negara aims to excite the public about space through the consolidation of space science and local arts

Planetarium Negara

The blue-domed planetarium is located atop a hill in KL Lake Gardens. Learn about the universe, galaxy, solar system and our Earth through the consolidation of space science and local arts.

The key highlight is the space theatre which screens space shows in large format film daily. Current shows include Alien Adventure; Earth, Moon and Sun; The Race to Earth and Solar Storm.

There’s a working observatory which boasts of a 14-inch telescope. These include Malaysia’s first satellite, TiungSAT-1. Temporary exhibits focus on special current themes. The planetarium extends to a space theme park where replicas of ancient observatories are sited.

Pusat Sains Negara

Our science centre at Bukit Kiara is housed in a green dome-shaped building showcasing the many hands-on interactive science exhibits. The various galleries here are based on different themes, linking both science and technology with everyday life and knowledge. Its more than 1,000 interactive exhibits include the Aquarium where you can have a fascinating walk in an ‘underwater’ experience, with its variety of tropical and fresh water fishes. Kidz World is where children can go on a science adventure in the “space lab”, or all the way to the depths of the ocean to expand their creativity. At the Pathway to Science, students get to learn more about chemistry, physics and biology.

Museum Negara

Set up in 1963, the country’s principal museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Malaysia. It houses four galleries — Early History (Showcasing the evolution of the earth’s surface till the origins of Malaysia’s earliest inhabitant), Malay Kingdoms (Tracing the history of the Malay Kingdoms in the Archipelago), Colonial Era (Charting the history of the control and administration of the foreign powers) and Malaysia Today (Illustrating the transformation process and the achievements since Malaya’s independence). One momentous display in this gallery is the first flag of the Federation of Malaya 1957.
Thematic exhibitions are held from time to time. From March 5, it’s Ukiran Pintu Gerbang, showcasing the wide range of designs from different eras and cultures.

New Straits Times 12 March,2012