Karachi, a bustling metropolis in Pakistan, boasts an array of recreational spots, ranging from amusement parks and museums to beaches and farmhouses. A particularly unique attraction in the city is the highly popular MagnifiScience Centre.
Located in the heart of the city, this state-of-the-art facility aims to promote scientific knowledge and education among people of all ages. With its multiple exhibits, hands-on activities, and engaging workshops, the centre offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of science in a fun and interactive way.
Graana.com provides a detailed overview below.
About MagnifiScience Centre
MagnifiScience Centre is a science museum and interactive learning centre that is operated by The Dawood Foundation (TDF), a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life of Pakistanis through education, healthcare, and other social welfare initiatives.
The centre was designed by Madiha Ghani, Principal Architect at Shahab Ghani and Associates. It was inaugurated in October 2021 by then-prime minister Imran Khan.
MagnifiScience Centre is a Pre-Engineered Building (PEB), covering an area of approximately 79,568 square feet. It has solar panels with a generation capacity of 116 KW solar power, as well as a rain and wastewater recycling system to minimise its environmental impact.
MagnifiScience Centre also has a wetland mangrove ecosystem installed in the central atrium of the centre, providing visitors with an opportunity to understand the economic importance of mangroves and the food chain that exists within its thick undergrowth.
The centre has four floors, each showcasing distinct scientific themes and concepts such as Kids’ World, The World Within Us, The Physical World, Our World, Our Creation, and Jugaar Ghar. It also features a playground that encourages children to play in the open and harness their fine motor skills.
It features a range of exhibits and activities that are designed to promote science education and curiosity among visitors of all ages.
MagnifiScience Centre has interactive displays on topics such as physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy, as well as different experiments and demonstrations. It also offers educational programs and workshops for schools and other groups.
Exploring the Exhibits
The centre is divided into various sections, each showcasing a different aspect of science.
Space Gallery
The Space Gallery is a must-visit for anyone interested in astronomy and space exploration. Here, you can learn about the solar system, the different planets, and the latest discoveries in the field.
You can also take a virtual tour of the International Space Station and get a glimpse of what life is like for astronauts in space.
Earth Gallery
The Earth Gallery is dedicated to the study of our planet and its natural resources. Here, you can learn about the different layers of the earth, the water cycle, and the various ecosystems that exist on our planet.
You can also explore the concept of renewable energy and learn about different sources of renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and hydropower.
Life Gallery
The Life Gallery is all about biology and the study of living organisms. Here, you can learn about the different organs in the human body, the various systems that keep us alive, and the importance of a healthy diet and exercise. You can also explore the different types of insects and learn about their behaviour, habitats, and life cycles.
Robotics Lab
You can also learn about the latest advances in robotics and artificial intelligence in the Robotics Lab. You can also take part in workshops and activities that teach you how to build and program robots.
Activities
The activities at MagnifiScience Centre are designed to help visitors learn about science in a fun and interactive way. For example, in the Earth Gallery, you can create your own tornado and learn about the science behind natural disasters.
In the Life Gallery, you can dissect a virtual frog and learn about the different organs in the frog’s body. In the Robotics Lab, you can build your own robot and program it to perform various tasks. These hands-on activities are suitable for visitors of all ages, and the staff is always present to guide and assist visitors.
Workshops and Events
The MagnifiScience Centre also hosts a range of workshops and events throughout the year, which provide visitors with a deeper understanding of science and technology.
For instance, the centre arranges coding workshops for kids, where they can learn how to code and develop their own games and apps. It also hosts science camps during the summer, where kids can participate in a range of activities and experiments.
In addition to these regular events, it also holds special events and exhibitions throughout the year. These are usually based on the current trends in science and technology and provide visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the latest developments in these fields.
Upcoming Plans And Developments
The centre has various developments and features planned for the future, including an annual pass that allows unlimited access to the centre for a whole year at an affordable price. Birthday packages will also be introduced to let children celebrate their special day with fun-filled science-related activities and shows.
Moreover, the centre plans to visit different schools and communities across Pakistan with its mobile science lab, bringing interactive science experiments to remote areas. It is also adapting to new technologies and incorporating digital elements in its exhibits and programmes.
Conclusion
The MagnifiScience Centre can foster curiosity, creativity and critical thinking among visitors of all ages and backgrounds, as well as inspire them to pursue careers or hobbies in STEM fields. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in science and technology.
FAQ’s
Q: How can I get to MagnifiScience Centre?
A: The centre is located in plot no 1 RY-15, R2W2+MWH Railway Quarter, Lalazar, Karachi, and can be reached by car, taxi, or public transport.
Q: What are the hours of operation for MagnifiScience Centre?
A: It is open daily from Monday to Thursday (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM), with the last entry at 3:30 PM. It is also open on Saturday and Sunday (10:00 AM to 7:30 PM), with the last entry at 6:15 PM. Please note that the centre remains closed on Fridays. However, you can visit it on public holidays.
Q. Are there any age restrictions for visiting MagnifiScience Centre?
A. The centre welcomes all visitors and has no age restrictions.
Q. What is the average duration of a visit to MagnifiScience Centre?
A. The time required to explore the different exhibits varies from person to person but, on average, visitors spend at least three to four hours at the centre.
Q. Can I purchase tickets for MagnifiScience Centre online?
A. No, unfortunately, it currently does not offer the option to purchase tickets online.
Q. Is free WiFi available at MagnifiScience Centre?
A. Yes, visitors can access free Wi-Fi during their visit.
Q. Does MagnifiScience Centre have a souvenir shop?
A. Yes, there is a souvenir shop that is located adjacent to the foyer.
Q. Is there a designated area at MagnifiScience Centre for charging phones?
A. Yes, visitors can use the charging stations in the café to charge their phones, laptops, and other electronic devices.
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