Science Communication for Global Talents/ Science & Technology Design for Global Talents Overseas Internship Report. London Science Museum Internship

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1 2014 Science Communication for Global Talents/ Science & Technology Design for Global Talents Overseas Internship Report London Science Museum Internship General information Student s name Karakama, Ma. Sayori D. M1 Affiliation and grade Graduate school of Science and Engineering Department of International Development Engineering Organization Person in charge at Organization and His/her position London Science Museum Professor Nohara Ms. Dominique Sleet Schedule August 24 31,

2 Summary in English 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 or galleries in the museum. 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. It was interesting to learn that only 4% of the collections are being displayed in the galleries. 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 as well 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 that cost millions of pounds. 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 remarkable experience! I believe students should engage in these types of program at least once in their lives as they can get to know the world in a different perspective. Objective The name of the course initially caught my attention. I am personally very interested in International and Cultural Exchange. As I ve read deeper into the details of the Science Museum, the more I was enticed to apply for the internship program as it offers a great opportunity of exposure on the other side of the world that has advanced technologies other than Japan. I wanted to learn as much as I can and have a first-hand experience on how the advanced technologies can be applied in our society, especially in the developing countries. I think the London Science Museum is an excellent venue for learning and training ground for people like me who seeks for further knowledge and more exposure in the field of Science and Technology to solve global environmental issues. Creativity and thinking outside the box is very important and that is one skill that I would like to harness through experience Furthermore, learning more of organizational standards from professionals of several fields would broaden my point of view as a researcher. 2

3 Detailed schedule August 24: - Meeting with LSM members in from of Science Museum - Explored the British Museum - Quick trip to Abbey Road, Sherlock Holmes shop - Dinner with LSM members August 25 (LSM Internship): - Meeting and greeting at information desk with Ms. Dominique; orientation at Energy Cafe - Exploring galleries and family events outside Launch Pad. - IMAX viewing: Hidden Universe, free-time - Discussions about museum insights and next day activities briefing August 26 (LSM Internship): - Fly Zone trips and simulations - Fire and explosion show by Chi and Bubble show by Dwain - Gallery tours - Visit the garden for children - Meet with non-lates special events staff - Launch Pad tour with water rocket demonstration and self-exploration - Discussions about museum insights and next day activities briefing about Lates, a late-night event designed for adults August 27 (LSM Internship): - Joined the meeting for the Lates event held at the Dana Center Study room - IMAX: Mysteries of the hidden world, free-time - General meeting with all the staff and volunteers with regards to the Lates Special event to be held on the same day - Participation in the Lates event and watched Punk Science Live Game show - Discussions about museum insights and next day activities briefing August 28 (LSM Internship): - Enterprising Science activities including object hunting games and video-taking. - Science Communication workshop and presentation - Talk with Dan Green regarding the upcoming new gallery in the London Science Museum. - Discussions about museum insights and next day activities briefing 3

4 August 29 (LSM Internship): - Trip to Red Arrows Fly 3D simulation - Story-telling session with Lauren - Journey to Invention seminar with Selina and introduction of new technologies by using smartphones for an interactive science-learning - Wellcome Medical Collections tour by Selina - IMAX viewing: Under the sea - Mystery Object communication workshop by Dan - Audience Research and advocacy talk by Chris Whitby and prototyping room tour - Discussions about museum insights and group picture - Watched Phantom of the Opera Musical August 30: - National History Museum - Victoria & Albert Museum - Watched Jeeves and Wooster play - Walked around London Eye and Big Ben - Watched Les Miserables musical August 31: - Buckingham Palace - Observed Leicester square street shows - Visited the National Gallery - Dinner meeting with Mr. Motohiro, English Parliament Intern Results As an intern in the Science Museum, I was able to learn several ways of communicating with people of diverse backgrounds. I expected that we will have exposures in the different sides of science and technology, and we did. It was very interesting to learn that communication can have several forms through demonstrations, workshops, visualizations, and interactive activities. It was definitely more than what I expected. I never expected that museums can be that fun. I think one of the most valuable experiences I obtained during the trip was sharing the good times with the LSM team inside and outside the internship. Furthermore, I was able to meet great people with great minds and techniques to reach out to people, which I find truly inspiring as they came from various fields. Other than that, I believe we were able to gain skills in planning, team-work, observation skills, and of course, science communication. 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. 4

5 Future prospects My experience in the London Science Museum definitely opened a new path to my future. The focus of my research is very much related to community empowerment and visualization. I would like to effectively communicate to the public through the use of technology and my skills in programming. I want to gather several ideas that I can apply for my future career, especially when I start transferring my knowledge to the future generation as a professor. I believe that through this experience, I could expand my capabilities without limits while in collaboration with researchers in various fields that could open the doors to extraordinary research with countless possibilities. Being in the science museum definitely broadened my networks and views of the world. Suggestions This program is definitely one opportunity that you would not like to miss! It offers a great deal of learning experiences and adventures. The 10-day London escapade was definitely worth it. In fact, I wish our internship at the Science Museum could have been longer! There are still mountains of things that I would like to learn and explore. I suggest that while in London, take time to appreciate the architectures and museums. It was truly admirable on how the country gives such importance to museums and preserving its environment. 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. 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. And of course, don t forget to watch the musicals. I am dumbfounded on how the musical theatrical shows can communicate to the audience through their words, actions, singings, and emotions. The experience I had was indeed remarkable. Given another chance, I would love to go back again and explore more of its beauty! To the prospective interns, I suggest you make the most of your London Science Museum internship and of course, England itself. Do not be afraid of trying out something new that could turn into something extra-ordinary. The interactive galleries and flight simulators would turn your world around. Just explore, learn as much as you can, make friends, and have fun! It was indeed a great pleasure to be part of the program that would definitely leave a mark in my life. 5

6 Pictures Dinner with LSM Team Bubble Show at the Science Museum 6