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Beyond providing content for the gram, the installations also allow the young and not so young to learn how art and science can come together to create beautiful pieces of art; it just needs our creativity and imagination. When we are teaching, we should also try to go beyond simply teaching our subject matter and guide our students on how they can use what they learn in other areas.

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My first time here at Bird Paradise. Nice place yet hard to understand the complex interplay between conservation, and commercialisation .While it serves as a hub for avian preservation and education, providing a simulated natural habitat for birds, it faces a conflict between preserving nature and commercial motives. The enclosures, though aimed at protecting endangered species, can raise questions about the birds’ freedom. That came to my mind when i saw the birds trapped in the enclosure but i believe ethical practices and are done to ensure the conservation and sustainability of Bird Paradise.

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Life Lesson from Our Favorite Flightless Bird - Resilience is key.

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Emperor penguins are known to be some of the most resilient living creatures on earth. They are able to survive some of the harshest Antarctica environments in sub-zero temperatures and fierce winds.

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The Art Science museum allows us to interact and actively engaged with the exhibits. How can we bring forth such an experience to let students experience wonder in the classroom?

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An amazing sight when the colourful birds flocked and chirped together. Birds flock together to keep them safe from predators, and to conserve energy due to the updraft produced by the birds at the front. Reminded me that as a team in PL, we also need to fly together - in the same direction, so that we can support one another and do things more effectively :)

An amazing journey through Bird Paradise, with 2 little "birds" chirping non-stop around me too. Reminded me that our children/students have an innate curiosity for things around them, and we as parents/teachers can do our best to fan that curiosity for learning and guide them as they explore and discover themselves and the world they are in.

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All the beautiful crimson hued, graceful long-legged adult Flamingoes begin as stunted, short-necked clumsy grey messy fledgelings (zoom in!). Just like our youths at our school, they change with nature (what they consume) and nurture (what community of adults that they imitate and learn from). Growth is such a beautiful process and I am grateful to be an educator where I can witness every child’s personal experience of development and be part of this contribution, making a difference for the next generation.

Mandai’s Bird Paradise is really an impressive, educational and engaging place for all ages. Never a dull moment with so many sights and sounds happening as birds of all species were

flying around me. These birds also look very healthy and happy as they socialise with other birds and roam around confidently and calmly. This up close experience is the icing on the cake for me.

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Not a bird lover but the place managed to pique our curiosity and interest throughout our visit through its innovative way of disseminating information of the various types of birds. It keeps itself relevant by its conservation efforts and messages.

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Love the presentations at Sky Amphitheatre and enjoyed the amazing talents of our birds alongside their trainers. These are the highlights of our visit that day!

While watching the Bird talents show, I was quite impressed and inspired. As educators we can focus more on creativity, collaboration, and effective communication in our teaching methods. Observing nature's brilliance can also encourage fostering diverse skills and promoting adaptability in students.

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A lovely visit with stations along the way for children to stamp booklets containing information about the birds. There are conservation messages on the importance of the protection of wildlife and how they contribute to the circle of life.

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Loved the whole concept and layout of the new Bird Paradise. My children were completely enthralled by the free birds flying all around them. They had so many questions to ask and every pit stop had all the answers they were looking for. Lovely experience, lovely way to educate us about all the different species of birds!

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Really love the shows at Bird Paradise and it was very insightful to learn about the various birds that they have here. Some birds are also in extinction so it's important to protect them.

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We also found out that while Nave loves animals, they love her too!

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Bird Paradise - Navethira, Natasha and Terh Ling

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Bird Paradise - Navethira, Natasha and Terh Ling

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Like us, birds come in all colours, shades, shapes and personalities too! Some are pretty, cute, sweet, loud, majestic, calm, and sometimes, downright naughty! We had a wonderful time.

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It is a marvellous visual experience from me!The beauty of arts and science in this exhibition. Amazing:))

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This dude was eyeing me, and then swerved quickly and bit my (favourite) earring off! It then went afar into the jungle to gnaw it - I saw bits of my clay earring being chipped off - what powerful beaks! Learning: read the signs. (always reminding students during LJs but got careless!) [N.B. Trainer said the birds will not eat them, they just want to gnaw]

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Birds are friendly

World class facility

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We watched the show and listened to the host's explanation. We learned that some birds are on the verge of extinction, so we must protect them. Firstly, there is no need to buy art made from bird feathers and medicines made from birds. This way no one will hunt birds anymore. Secondly, protect the forest so that birds can have a comfortable environment to live.

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Faezah Embracing Tailored Support in Education

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Faezah Embracing Tailored Support in Education

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My visit to the Bird Paradise offered a profound insight into educational approaches, notably witnessed while observing the penguins being fed by a zookeeper. Initially, it appeared as pampering, but it soon became evident that these penguins required tailored assistance due to their long beaks, teaching me a valuable lesson applicable to education.

The sight of the penguins waiting patiently to be fed highlighted the importance of providing tailored support and guidance, even for individuals seemingly capable of independent tasks. This reminded me of the need to acknowledge and accommodate different needs, rather than assuming everyone can manage alone.

This experience significantly influenced my perception of education, emphasizing the necessity of balancing encouragement for self-sufficiency with offering necessary support when needed.

Attached is a picture of my family during our visit. It serves as a reminder that nurturing and educating children is a collaborative effort, much like the villagers raising a child. Our trip to the Bird Paradise reinforced the idea that providing the right support ensures the holistic development of young minds.

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Please meet Ms Attitude here:))

It has no qualms about singled itself out from it’s flock.

Birds stay in large flocks to make it difficult for predators to singled out any one bird.

Ms Attitude here reminds me of my students . Hmmmm.. I wonder why ..

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Technology can both aid or harm us. While there are so many cases of scams lately which harm many, the use of technology can also help us in different ways. Let's all learn to see things in more than one way!

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Saw the macaw chewing something shiny.. it was a jibbitz from a boy’s crocs. (Mum was saying behind me). Brings to my attention on the signs reminding visitors to keep their shiny objects away. My concern is the impact on the poor blue macaw.
As educators, we need to teach those under our charges to follow instructions as there is always a rationale for it (although sometimes students may not understand)

I was recounting my recent experience when I visited another bird sanctuary in another country and it was very different. S’pore’s bird paradise planning is really about the birds having their natural habitat.. whereas the other is based on the visitor’s experience (eg lots of up close feeding throughout the day which might not be the best for the birds). Being able to see the birds free roaming in their natural habitat,  hearing melodious singing, whoshing sound of the hornbills as they fly past was really wonderful.  The design of the place is really for the birds..
As educators, are all our decisions made student centric? Or just out of convenience?

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What an intriguing experience at the art science museum! How it intricately weaves the theme of future world into all installations - using technology to evoke the senses of visitors, seemingly having the visitors to experience one with nature. On the surface, it may seem like a simple background with flowers. People excitedly flock to the background, capturing a photo where they appear as blending in with the nature. This prompts me to think, how can we design learning as a sensory engagement, where students see themselves as “one with learning”? Undoubtedly, technology plays an integral role in making one feel like part of a bigger ecosystem, like having our coloured artpiece appearing in the ocean of sea creatures in the museum. In a classroom, technology has the same ability to make students feel that they are part of learning with their voices heard. The exhibition titled “Future world, where art meets science” triggers my memory of a question, “is teaching an art or science”? After my visit at the musuem, one thing I am certain is that teaching requires skillful use of pedagogical practices (“where art meets science”) and in the 21st century, technology forms an essential part in learning.

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Looking at the penguins make me reflect that, if we focus too much on the weakness of any student (a bird that can't fly), we will miss out on what she is capable of when placed in the right environment. Penguin Cove attracts more visitors than any other because when penguins are placed in the perfect habitat, they are able to soar above their inabilities.

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I had an extraordinary day at Bird Paradise, nestled within Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Spanning 17 hectares, this avian haven houses 3,500 birds from 400 species, with 24 percent of them classified as threatened! What left a lasting impression on me was the proximity we enjoyed to the aviaries, allowing us to observe the birds in their natural habitat. The learning experience was equally delightful, as we were enriched with fascinating facts about the birds through various means – auditory, hands-on, visual, and more!

One intriguing tidbit that captured my attention was the account of the Emu War I read (see photo). In 1932, Western Australia found itself in an unusual conflict as thousands of hungry emus wreaked havoc on crops. The Australian army was then deployed to cull the birds. Interestingly, the tough birds out-maneuvered the truck-mounted guns and dodged bullets! After an astonishing 38 days, the army conceded defeat in their mission.

Learning Point:

This historical incident highlights the tenacity and resilience of the emu, underscoring the significance of unwavering determination when faced with unforeseen challenges. Despite not being the most aesthetically pleasing bird, the emu's capacity to dodge bullets and outsmart military intervention imparts an important lesson for our individual learning journeys. Embracing toughness and perseverance becomes pivotal in navigating life's intricacies, ensuring that we not only confront but triumph over the most formidable obstacles. It's a lesson I'm enthusiastic to share with my children and students, offering valuable insights about resilience in the journey of life.

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Reflection

I am impressed with the myriad of birds at Bird Paradise. I like the fact that there are lots of posters to educate the public about the birds, feeding habits, migratory paths, etc. I learnt more about the different birds and their importance to the ecosystem. This makes me appreciate how God has created animals and plants for us to appreciate His creative creation, and Singapore is in the pathway of two major transmigration pathways of the birds! Wow!

From a educator's perspective

Singapore's Bird Paradise serves as a metaphor for the diverse student population in Singapore. As a teacher in Singapore, fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment is akin to creating a sanctuary for diverse learners. Just as the Bird Paradise accommodates various species, a teacher must cater to the unique needs and strengths of individual students, creating an educational ecosystem where each student can thrive. Embracing diversity, like the vibrant array of birds in the sanctuary, contributes to a rich and dynamic learning environment, ultimately shaping well-rounded individuals ready to soar in the global landscape.

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The park’s open design allowed for observing birds in their natural habitat. What stood out for me was the park’s commitment to wildlife conservation. Educational messages was seamlessly integrated into their displays and shows, highlighting the importance of preserving natural habitats and wildlife.

As an educator, this visit has enriched my understanding and emphasized the importance of linking learning concepts into diverse hands-on and experiential opportunities. This can help to foster a deeper, more meaningful connection to the topics being explored.

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Penguin cove is the best! Because everywhere else is hot! 😂

Learnt that when penguins dive, they release air trapped in their feathers. The air bubbles reduce water density around their bodies, allowing them to triple their speed.

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1. Post a photo of yourself on the LJ.

2. Share ONE insight you gained about the educational efforts of the attraction you visited.
3. Remember to title the post with your name(s)!

If you go on the LJ with a group of colleagues, you can post a group submission (i.e. ONE group photo and ONE insight)!

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Love the vast expanse of the new Bird Park.. especially love the Crimson wetland which houses the scarlet ibises, roseate spoonbills and American flamingos. This is the only aviary in Bird Paradise that is entirely beamless within, so it really feels like the birds are in their original habitats. In this vast space, the birds fly free while guests can enjoy unimpaired views and a truly unique immersive experience. There were also different elements within the park that catered to different audiences (young, old, different lanaguages, mobile and less mobile)

In the same way, as we plan and design programmes for our students it is important to make the learning authentic and relavant. There also be different elements within that experience that caters to different types of students with different learning needs and abilities.

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Pretty interesting with use of optics knowlegde and art.

It is like having the Science knowledge to create these arts.

Yet, it also encompasses the art of using Science of optics.

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It was a nice day out at bird paradise and it took 6 hours to finish the expansive park! Those huge nets gave the birds a lot of space to fly and wonder about, with lush vegetation to build nests (fruit trees especially - because the birds can eat the fruits, they poop out seeds and out grows another tree) and winding streams. Love that the boardwalks are suspended and gave us close looks at things we normally can’t see in the wild. Designing the park with the natural world, birds and humans in mind is pretty amazing - an important fact when designing programmes for our students and school.

I’ve always been ambivalent about zoos and parks as animals are made to run free in the wild and part of the natural biodiversity, not caged and fed off human hands. But I recognise the efforts that Mandai wildlife reserve is doing to promote wildlife education and conservation - very informative and multilingual signs with infographics, funny facts about mating rituals and conservation status. Engaging your audience should be multidimensional and multidisciplinary!

Ending this with the black cockatoos in the Australian outback park - I had seen these birds in the wild flying overhead in Jervis Bay in Australia. They are much rarer and harder to spot than white cockatoos (which are found everywhere). But here, many black cockatoos roam, and allow you to creep close to them and I could see them up close! So perhaps, there is a place for such parks, for we can’t always see them in the wild, but here, being close to them and learning about them might inspire us to do better for our planet and its creatures. A call to action would be more effective when it involves the affective domain - our hearts must be moved first.

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I have a jellyfish with PL on it because..

The ASM has a nice feature where you can design your own sea animals / aircraft, scan that in, and watch your animal / aircraft take its place in the digital display.

Kids and adults alike happily took part in this - a nice reminder that everyone likes to have their voice heard and (even more for our classroom) for your own hard work to be featured.

A good prompt for us to look for meaningful opportunities to student voice to be heard and responded to!

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This is the first picture we took in Bird Paradise. The waterfall caught the attention of my kids and they immediately rushed to it. The whole experience in Bird Paradise was amazing. As compared to the predecessor Bird Park, Bird Paradise has put in much more spaces for the birds to roam freely and for us to be able to view them in their natural habitat as closely as possible. I would think it that similar to the birds, everyone would prefer and would enjoy to work and will strive in an environment when they are in their own element.

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100 Years Sea: This video work depicts the raising sea levels brought by climate change.

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I found that this is amazing because this video work documents climate change over 100 years. It seems like no one will be able to see the start and the end results of this video, but we are reminded that if we don't do anything to improve our climate and global warming, very soon, there may not be any survivor in the world. Let's contribute and do our part to reduce the global warming issue.

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Very impressive with the new Bird Paradise of Singapore and their continued effort to nurture healthy ecosystem and positively impact the local communities.And I also learnt that it is important to work with all stakeholders in protecting endangered bird species in order to be successful in the conservation project.

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Began & ended the journey at Penguin Cove. Seeing their impressive dived into the water, swimming back and forth freely. It's Therapeutic.

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There are many information walls like this one all over the park presenting information about birds, their natural habitats, evolution and conservation efforts. Keeping information bite sized made them easily digestible. Having engaging titles such as an interesting question and hiding information behind flaps arouse curiosity and encourage interactivity.

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... And unexpected finds like sculptures. Which reminds us to help our students to prepare for the unexpected twists and turns in their lives.

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It takes all parts/members of a body/team to make the whole team a strong one...

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3D or 2D? to take Flight or to stay Rested? ...

Interesting picture of a bird's nest on the wall with different coloured wood veneers layered on each other to depict birds flying back with food for the young in the nest. Taking perspectives is so important, an issue/a situation that we can view with many layers and unpacking it with different view points, eventually we need to converge back to the intent (where the 'home' is).

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We see the birds in their habitats, roaming around with no cages in sight! Apart from that “invisible” net above, the birds seem free chirping and merry all morning.

Through the lens of educators, it is always best to give our students the autonomy to make their choices and to give them breathing space to think and experience in their own pace, for them to grow.

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it was a beautiful day at bird paradise! Went with my cousin and we learnt that birds can see many colours invisible to other mammals - they can send ‘secret messages’ to one another using their brightly coloured feathers that predators cannot see 👍🏻 this made me think about how it’s similar between teachers and students; having a good understanding of our students changes our perspectives of the same situation as things may not always seem like what it is on the surface :)

another fun fact: some birds are able to fly long distances as their left and right brain can take turns to sleep - just like the sharks!! 🤯

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Spread your feathers and be incredible! Be unique and stand out, whether you can fly or not :)

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Do you know that during snowstorms, Emperor Penguins huddle together to conserve heat and they take turns moving to the centre to share the warmth? This is a learning point to us that when working as a team, we support each other and sometimes we take turns to lead when other members in the team needs a break!

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As a visual and audio learner, I was struck by the plethora of colours surrounding me and the melody of chirping , trilling, twittering of sounds of birds IN paradise. This winged sanctuary mirrors both the reality of their habitat and the bright plumage of yellow, blue, scarlet and green of rare species of birds. My insight is that care, research and conservation are integral to this Bird OF Paradise park. We need not take our students to visit a forest overseas to learn about our feathered friends and protect them, Singapore has built their habitat (Asia's largest bird park) in our country for us to protect them.

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You are what you eat: maggie, puay teng, sze nee, hu min, hong yan, lili, wang jing, wee cheng, yu dong

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You are what you eat: maggie, puay teng, sze nee, hu min, hong yan, lili, wang jing, wee cheng, yu dong

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Do you know how flamingos get their pink feathers? By eating shrimps that give them the colouring! What can we learn from flamingos? By not teaching only based on how we are taught. With an open mind and growth mindset, we can adapt and teach based on our students' needs.

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I went with my children to the ArtScience Museum. I would say all my 5 senses were engaged throughout my visit. There were physical activities to be involved and found myself colouring, playing the slides and use building blocks to create a structure. I was back to being a child. In our teaching, my takeaway is if we tailor our lessons that tickles many of our students' senses, it will be a lesson that they will always remember. No doubt it is challenging to always engage all 5/6 senses, we can strive to engage at least 2 senses.

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Our learning journey has been a rewarding and ever-evolving experience. It's a path filled with new knowledge about birds. We have discovered that continuous learning is a key to personal growth. We enjoyed ourselves very much!

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I love how there are questions to help us engage with the exhibits. E.g. Do you think the circles make the picture brighter or darker? Good questions help engage our learners!

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Sometimes we have to think out of the box to engage students (or penguins...). Likewise, at bird paradise, there is a myriad of interactive educational resources that make learning about birds so much more engaging! When students experience a unique way of teaching, their learning can be made more enjoyable and effective.

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To cater to the diverse needs of all ages, whether learning needs or pleasure or plain sight-seeing, Bird Paradise used a variety of learning tools such as interactive sound simulations (eg sounds of various birds), videos to explain facts, interesting infographics and etc. And not forgetting providing possible close-up encounters with the various species in the various spaces. I also thought it was a good idea to break up the pathways in the spaces with the interactives so that the visitors can first experience the birds close-up, followed by learning about them through the interactives comfortably indoors.

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Everyone deserves to spread their wings & fly.. Regardless of who you are, a predator with wings or a pretty parrot, everyone should have their freedom to find out who they are , and what soars them to greater heights (: 😀

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When I, in awesome wonder

Consider all the creatures Thy hands have made

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Be still! Be quiet! Be all attention!

Something the frogmouth can teach our students!

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It is important to engage all the senses when designing a learning and hands on experience. Learning is always more fun when it is interactive. Even in the dark, creative expression can be innovative.

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The Art Science Museum is strategically designed to be accessible to all ages and profiles. It relies a lot on sensory, experiential booths, with a whole spectrum of colours and basic interaction options, creating a very low barrier for participation. Certain set ups were designed to stretch, such as the slide and the climbing structure, and of note was that the slide was spacious enough to accommodate both a parent and child. One thing that stood out to me was a digital art exhibition on Climate Change. It featured an animation of waves rolling gently over a rock, but with a clock subtly hidden above that was counting to a 15 year mark. As it turned out, the artist extrapolated data from actual climate scientists and animated the waves to gradually but surely rise and overwhelm the rocks in 15 years. I believe that translating this to an educational context means removing the perception of difficulty, both real and imagined, and scaffolding tightly. As a teacher, this challenges me to think of different ways to present the subject matter such that it would be engaging and accessible to students.