Page 45 - Thola Issue 17

ABOVE: Ntethelelo Cele, one of the volunteers assisting with the maintenance work in the galleries, adding Vapona to the Drakensberg diorama in the Mammal Gallery.
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Interacting with
aspects of climate
change
Two state-of-the-art touch tables were recently installed in the Museum for the first time ever.
The contents of both touch tables focus on aspects of climate change. One of the applications was specifically designed as a game for our younger visitors aged approximately eight to twelve years. Entitled the ‘Green Team’, it allows for up to four individuals to play a lifestyle game by which each can score points, called Earth Tokens, according to the choices they
make. This game is divided into four challenges focusing on different aspects of daily life, namely our use of water, energy, and our choices regarding the food we eat and the waste we produce. A representative character introduces each aspect, for example, energy related choices are introduced by ‘Glow’ the firefly.
The ‘Living Planet’ application is not a game, but an immersive, interactive experience. The visitors (sixteen years and older) are introduced to the planet as a living entity, and the interconnectivity of the planetary systems and the subsequent domino effect that can transpire as climate change takes hold, is emphasised. A few case studies are on offer, and the most vulnerable areas come under scrutiny.
ABOVE: View of one the touch screens featuring the lifestyles app on Climate Change for the younger visitors to the Museum.
ABOVE: One of the rotating exhibitions, portraying selected images of the Southern African Science Lens Competition, produced in collaboration with SAASTA, on display at Reservoir Hills Library.
thola: VOLUME 17. 2014/15