Dark Caves

A recent visit to the Dark Caves at Batu Caves. Reese and his science co-op friends were studying about bats. It was certainly very educational. Learn a little more about bats and other cave dwellers.  You can find more information at http://darkcavemalaysia.com

 Reese and his friends all ready for the climb. We bought cheap headlights too.

Reese loves chasing after the pigeons

There were many interesting creatures in the cave

A huge opening and see how tiny we are

 This area is closed for conservation studies

Lots of monkeys around

Learning about the Perak Man (Museum Negara)

Sometime in February, Reese and his homeschooling friends went for a field trip to Museum Negara. The children learned about the Perak Man. The museum staff were very friendly with the kids and the activities were fun and informative.

The kids were first grouped into a few groups and each group were ushered to different activities. Reese had a chance to be a mini archeologist and did some excavation looking for shells, bones, stone tools and minerals. He was enjoying himself using all kinds of excavation tools.

Then he and his friends went on to draw. They learned to draw like the cavemen.

Next the kids used shells to make necklaces. Reese was totally engrossed in stringing the shells. My sister patiently guided him.

Our last activity was to learn how to remove whole pieces of bark from a tree trunk for clothing and also introduction to ancient stone tools.

We love the activities and they are all free of charge. 

A Walk in the Jungle with Professor Dr. Ille Gebeshuber

Dr. Ille and the kids

Recently we went for a really lovely walk at FRIM with Dr. Ille Gebeshuber a physicist and a teaching professor from Austria. She is currently based in UKM. Check out her talk on TEDxTalks . This is our second time meeting her. 

The crown of shyness unique to this biggest man made jungle in the world

One of the best hike we had so far. We hired a guide and he was very knowledgable, he took us to see various species of useful trees and plants including trees that are used to extract the precious 'oil' to make perfumes. 

We were blessed with rain just a few minutes into the jungle. The children were more than happy to walk under the rain.... Reese was not amused thou. He hated being wet and whined a little but decided to continue. Before long, he was having fun. He was proudly declaring that he over came walking in the rain....bla...bla..bla.... 

The kids had so much fun trekking under the pouring rain, jumping in the puddles, making umbrellas out of big dried leaves, Reese even dug out a 'footprint' and claimed that it was from a giant Amoeba. Dr. Ille was happily answering the kids questions, encouraging them to explore, play in the rain and feel/smell the plants and trees. While in the jungle, it felt so magical. We mummies also had a good time learning a little bit more about the jungle while beaming with pride watching our kids enjoying themselves. 

The very reluctant Reese when the rain started pouring but later... he was enjoying it

This place is so magical.

A poisonous mushroom

This is a black lily

 Enjoying the rain

 8 homeschoolers, mummies, our guide Yan and Dr. Ille

MNS Nature Walk with Dr. Ille Gebeshuber

Recently we had a chance to join Dr. Ille Gebeshuber on a short walk around the zoo while she shared her knowledge with us on how we can learn from nature and apply it to technology (Biomimetics). She is a physicist from Austria and currently a full professor at UKM.  She did a talk on TEDxKL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8wcfY129eQ 

It was eye opening because it is something new to us. She is very good with children. Reese was really enjoying himself talking to her. They talked about animals, plants and later chemistry. As Reese chatted with Dr. Ille, hubby and I walked behind them quietly listening to what they were talking about... I heard Reese discussed the chemical elements with her like potassium, seaborgium, ununoctium and some other man made elements... he was arguing about which was more reactive and what which decays.... and she patiently explained stuff that I don't quite understand... listening to them gave me goosebumps because I realised I can never have a conversation like that with him because no matter how hard I try.... I am not equip to do so. Reese needs to meet more people like Dr. Ille. People who can impart knowledge that is beyond me.

Dr. Ille giving us a simple introduction to biomimetics

Dr. Ille explaining stuff to Reese and the other kids 

Truly an inspiring lady

Zoo Negara: Learning about the Great Apes

A month back we took part in another Zoo program. This time the kids got to learn about the great apes. Fun as usual for Reese. Did some palm printing and also learn some facts about the apes. Overall a great experience but we liked the previous one on reptile more. :)

Reese and his poses!

Making new friends

The ape centre

The keepers preparing breakfast for the orang utans.

A chimpanzee finding ways to get the food placed in a 'toy' specially made to teach them to search for food.

Our zoo educator Edwina!

Giving the children an idea the length of an orang utan's limb 

 

Doing palm printing against a chimpanzee's palm

Penang Butterfly Park

Must go! So much better than the KL Butterfly Park. Not only do you see butterflies, there are various insects and reptiles on display. The place was very well done. Informative touchscreen platforms with interesting facts about the reptiles and insects. 

Hello world!

This picture do not do justice to this small charming and almost magical pond

Butterfiles everywhere....

Very well planned with various butterflies life cycles on display

Interactive touch screen

Reptiles and insects section

Love these touchscreen information kiosk

As you enter the park, you are given a nice little booklet filled with information about the insects on display

Butterfiles and insects of the world