Ok, so count on your fingers how many learning centres we have in Pakistan for children?
1,2,3..? Did you find any?
No, exactly!
That’s where we are lacking!
Pakistan ranks 105 out of 129 countries in the Global Innovation Index of 2019. The major reason for this is the lack of science and tech education in our institutions. We teach through books only and don’t give our children a platform to go beyond their imagination.
That’s where the Dawood Foundation (TDF) MagnifiScience Centre (MSC) comes to the rescue. Starting from the science garden to cultural representation and learning of the physical world and human bodies, this project is outstanding to educate children of the phenomenon behind things.
It’s located at I.I. Chundrigar road in Railway Quarters. TDF MagnifiScience centre is Pakistan’s first contemporary and interactive place to help children acquire knowledge through science exhibits, shows, and educational programs.
At the outside there’s a science garden with the kids play area with activities like climbing structure, balancing challenge, rope climbing, rock climbing, and swings. The garden is a lush, green area to let people enjoy the natural environment.
Inside the building is a Mangrove Exhibition which is the only living exhibit at MSC. It was a unique challenge to sustain an ecosystem completely indoors but with lots of trials and errors, team MSC did it to better educate children about soil and plantation.
State-of-the-Art Building & Science Behind Everything
MSC consists of three floors, each of which is divided into different sections. On the ground floor, you can explore the construction theme, health corner, water world, transportation, and the culture of Karachi. There’s a kaleidoscopic rickshaw and truck that represent the theme of “Karachi Mohalla.” This vibrant section grabs children’s attention and leaves them thinking about the beauty of our country.
Along with it, the children can also strengthen their learning by performing several activities such as how to give financial aid to a patient, how to fix teeth, how to move construction equipment, how to check the health of patients, and much more.
As you’ll move to the first floor, a heart beating in the midst of the centre will grab your attention. The scene is so real that one can’t leave without reading everything about it. Not only for children, the centre is educational for adults too. Every corner carries self-explanatory notes in Urdu and English from where everyone can read and develop understanding of the process. Further, you can also explore the human brain, body parts, and five senses by touching them. In addition to it, there are many sections to explore everything in a human body such as joints, bones, structure, heart health, nerves, and blood cells.
The second floor is dedicated to the physical world. It’s based on the theme of energy, motion, friction, mathematics, and communication technology. For example, there are activities like how waves are formed, how friction is produced, and how energy interacts with several things. This floor is best to engage children while making them familiar with the physical theories. Along with the section, there’s also an outdoor plant-based area where the visitors can relax under fresh air or can also enjoy the sun.
Meanwhile, the third floor is still under construction which is planned to teach about the environment. Besides all these sections, you can also find the witch house, anti-gravity theme, and nature to entertain and educate yourself.
The whole building is magnificent. It’s constructed considering the tiniest details in mind. For instance, there’s ample walking spaces between the different exhibits, a dedicated prayer area, and rest rooms on every floor. Even strollers are placed at every floor so parents can also enjoy their visit.
TDF MagnifiScience Centre is the best recreational place for people of all ages and backgrounds. The project has been designed by Madiha Ghani, Principal Architect at Shahab Ghani and Associates. To minimize the environmental impact, solar panels have been placed that generate 116 KW solar power. And also rain and wastewater recycling system have been installed in the building.
Great Initiative by The Dawood Foundation
This interactive learning centre aims to develop interest in scientific thinking, scientific literacy, scientific knowledge, and scientific methodology by interacting and engaging with the exhibits and programs at the building. It’s an excellent platform for experience-based learning.
Also, it’s a not-for-profit project so all the funds generated through this centre will again be utilized in providing more educational resources for children.
TDF has set a great example for the government, responsible citizens, and the elite class of Pakistan. They have shown us how the right investment can create a generation of scientists, doctors, innovative thinkers, and learners.
It’s only one for now but we hope to see many more like this in future. If you haven’t visited it yet, step out now as you are going to enjoy your visit and come back acquiring a handful of knowledge by just observing things there.
The centre is open from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm while on weekends (Sat & Sun), the timings are 10:00 am – 7:30 p.m. Fridays are off. The ticket is Rs 700 per person on weekdays starting from the age group of 2 years. On weekends, the ticket price is Rs 800 per person.
I prefer books and diaries more than phones and Facebook. Soulfully connected to Pakistan. And I passionately believe that I can change the world through blogging.
