Science Centre Singapore once again takes the lead on Interspectral’s novel Corona Exhibition

Back in 2012, the Science Centre Singapore implemented an Inside Explorer table as our very first customer outside of Sweden. Once again, they have taken the lead on something new. We are happy to announce that in autumn 2020, the Science Centre Singapore will be installing a digital exhibit for Inside Explorer featuring the COVID-19 pandemic and the notorious novel Coronavirus.

Inside Explorer has always been a tool to communicate complex ideas simply and enable the public to visualise the invisible. It is a playground for all to explore science beyond the still images found in books. Of recent science topics, no topic sparks more curiosity and conversation than the COVID-19 pandemic. To facilitate a deeper understanding of COVID-19 and the SARS-CoV-2 virus, we are developing a Coronavirus related exhibit for Inside Explorer and Science Centre Singapore will be the first science centre in the world to bring this experience to its guests.

We reached out to the exhibition team at the Centre to get Science Centre’s view of the situation and an update on the purpose of adding the Corona Exhibit to their existing suite.

To start with, how have you been affected by the corona situation?

Similar to many attractions and museums worldwide, Science Centre Singapore too had to shutter down to help stem the pandemic spread. Even as Singapore enters a phased, safe re-opening, it will still take time before the Science Centre is ready to welcome guests again since their safety remains a priority.

Nonetheless, every cloud has a silver lining. This unfortunate break has allowed us time to develop our digital outreach and has hastened the use technology to bring science to the masses. There is also a golden opportunity for us to engage with the people that matter to us through deeper conversations on digital platforms, these are our visitors who may be breaming with ideas, concepts and questions as well as our partners around the world who together with us can elevate the vital aspects of science awareness and literacy through joint science communication initiatives. We are grasping these with both hands.

So, why did you buy the Corona exhibition?

Amidst the chaos caused by the pandemic, people – governments, researchers and public alike have been trying to understand the SARS-CoV-2 virus in order to protect themselves better, stem the spread and hopefully to develop a vaccine. Throughout the pandemic and its progression, new information, as well as new misconceptions have been spread about the virus.

Poised as a place for all to learn all facets of science, we at the Science Centre Singapore decided to buy the Corona exhibition as we see value in educating the public about the nature of the virus. A deeper understanding of the virus will allow everyone to better appreciate the facts as well as the ongoing fight against the virus. The exhibition will help bring to light some facts about the virus epidemiology in general since this knowledge is not solely applicable to SARS-CoV-2, but typically to most coronaviruses. In the long run, even when the notoriety of COVID-19 has died down, this knowledge will prove valuable in educating the public about the invisible threat posed by viruses.

What is your experience of the Inside Explorer table so far?

The Inside Explorer table is a unique and interesting way of visualising things. People see and imagine in 3D; we interpret the world in 3D, yet past resources and learning tools typically show things in 2D. With some complex subjects, learning is transformed through 3D visualisation and the rich content stories that accompany the 3D visuals. Access to a myriad of data sets also diversifies the learning opportunities, visitors get to come close to space rocks, insects, animals even down to the latest VR tech. In addition, a large space is required to view all the main body systems of an animal or specimen. However, the Inside Explore table has allowed us to combine all the experiences into one. Perhaps the next level up for the experience would be a tactile experience, this would transform the table into a truly sensory experience!

When do you plan to open the exhibition?

We hope to open the exhibition in the second week of September.

Information about Science Center Singapore

Science Centre Singapore, a non-formal educational institution and leading regional Science Centre, along with its group of attractions, brings out the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through its unique blend of exhibitions, educational programmes and events. A custodian of creativity and innovation, Science Centre Singapore has captured the evolution of scientific developments for nearly four decades.

The Centre and its partners have played a pivotal role in transforming the way students and the public interact with and learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Since 1997, the Centre has welcomed over 30 million visitors and inspired them with more than 1,000 exhibits spread across 14 exhibition galleries and outdoor exhibition spaces.

The Centre’s group of attractions include Omni-Theatre, Snow City and KidsSTOP™. The Omni-Theatre is an immersive dual-technology edutainment destination fitted with Southeast Asia’s largest seamless dome screen and featuring the latest and brightest 8k digital fulldome system in the world. Snow City is Singapore’s only permanent indoor snow centre offering an Arctic inspired experience at Singapore’s first ice gallery and snow chamber. KidsSTOP™ – Where every child gets to Imagine, Experience, Discover and Dream – is Singapore’s first children’s science centre offering an enriching experience through purposeful play for children aged 18 months to 8 years old. For more information, please visit www.science.edu.sg.