Over 600 children sign up for kids' science centre KidsSTOP

The new centre, called KidsSTOP, caters to children aged eight and below.

Get the full story from The Straits Times.

This is the full media statement released today by KidsSTOP:

SINGAPORE - Children between 18 months and 8 years old can look forward to a new learning playground as KidsSTOP™ opens its doors to the public from June 6, 2014. Singapore's first and only children's science centre will provide dedicated edutainment facilities and new programmes to encourage young ones to Imagine, Experience, Discover and Dream.

Mr Gerald Tee, Director, KidsSTOP™, Science Centre Board, said, "KidsSTOP™ is a place where young children can stop to take a rest from the busy world outside and step into an imaginary one to embark on a journey of discovery. As children learn best through interactive play, we are certain that the numerous hands-on opportunities at the facility will spark their imagination, curiosity and interest in science."

KidsSTOP™ integrates the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education approach, which allows children to experience and contextualise problem-solving through inquiry-based activities. At the same time, this approach encourages them to learn through activity, play and exploration.

The facility, spanning 3,000 square metres of space and housed within the Omni-Theatre building, comprises 17 zones and feature areas. One of the key highlights is a lofty nine-metre climbing structure - The Big Dream Climber - with unique hanging elements where children can climb and explore. Visitors can also look forward to a unique experience at the Giant J, a seven-metre slide where they will experience a sensation of free-fall before sliding to safety.

Mrs Jodie Ong, 35, home-maker and mother of two pre-school children, hopes KidsSTOP™ will teach her children practical applications of science. She said, "The various science activities at KidsSTOP™ will enable my children to learn more about science, not just as an academic subject. I look forward to them learning about how science comes into play in their daily lives."

KidsSTOP™ to launch new science education programmes for young learners

Following its launch in June, KidsSTOP™ will roll out new science education programmes that will cater to children as young as 3 years old to Primary 2 students. These programmes have been specially put together for KidsSTOP™ to introduce science through engaging activities facilitated by early childhood professionals and educators.

The education programmes comprise of three segments, which feature activities that are designed for three different age groups - Pre-kindies (3-4 years old), Kindies (5-6 years old) and Primary 1 and 2 students (7-8 years old).

Free programmes/worksheets, which are available for all KidsSTOP™ visitors. These include puppet performances designed to introduce the ideas of sustainability, and non-facilitated trails that will allow children to explore different zones at the gallery. Children will learn about science through guided activities using the creatively designed worksheets; Core programmes that aim to create a highly stimulating learning environment through the use of drama, music, role playing and story-telling that introduce science; and Other programmes, that include hands-on sessions on electricity, character-guided tours and weekend workshops

Mr Tee commented, "KidsSTOP™ developed these educational programmes because we understand that children are curious learners, who need to be engaged from a young age. The interactive activities under the KidsSTOP™ education programmes will help to spark interest in science among young ones."

KidsSTOP™ will be officially opened by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Education, on June 5, 2014. Details about operation hours, ticket pricing and packages will be available when the facility officially opens to the public. For more information, please visit www.kidsstop.edu.sg.