Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Tuesday said the country’s largest science museum, Mindspark, should be a go-to venue for exposure trips of students, particularly in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

This came after the Department of Education (DepEd), during the day, led the grand opening of the 9,000-sqm. facility at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

In a statement, Angara said Mindspark can turn students’ curiosity into innovation and help them develop creativity and skills outside the classroom setting.

“Volcano experiments? Rocket launches? AI (Artificial Intelligence)-powered robotics? Lahat ‘yan hindi na imposible dito sa (These are all possible in) MindSpark,” he said.

“Sa mga museo na kagaya nito, binibigyan natin ang kabataan ng direksyon tungo sa pagbabago, at ng paraan para mag-innovate hindi lang sa paaralan kundi sa komunidad (In museums like this, we are giving the youth the direction towards change, and ways to innovate not only in schools but also in the community).”

The Mindspark museum features 100 interactive science exhibits, with 30 STEM-themed rooms, including a “giant walkthrough human heart, a real-life hospital laboratory, massive anatomy displays, and an insect life cycle in motion.”

Moreover, interactive features may be explored under “bubble science, robotics, artificial intelligence, fire safety, engineering design, and gemology.”

The education chief stressed that Mindspark will suit the support needed by students who “love the whys and the hows.”

“A curious mind is the seed of a promising tomorrow. Our children hold the key to solving the emerging challenges of the future, armed with creativity, resilience, and the power of their innovative thinking,” he said.

The science facility, which is under the management of the Philippine Amusement and Entertainment Corp., is now open to the public with tour programs available for schools and other organizations. (PNA)