How does the phone work? Why does the weather change? Why do we see different colours? These and hundreds of other questions from curious children often baffle adults because they are not easy to answer!
However, children's interest in the world around them cannot be suppressed, and this is the principle that guides the staff at the Extavium in Potsdam. The Extavium is a popular science and technology museum that welcomes little "geeks" and their parents.
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The Extavium is a place of learning, with lots of interesting exhibits to touch and examine up close, as well as experimental areas for self-experimentation. The ability to touch, play with, study and photograph objects is the main difference between the Extavium and other museums.
There are 130 exhibits of all kinds in this unusual place of scientific experimentation, helping to unravel the nature of many things. Here you can find out about the properties of water and light, what makes colour, how a child can become a Strongman and pull a cart full of stones, why hurricanes occur, how to prove Pythagoras' theorem, why a balloon takes off, how many decibels are in a whisper and how many in a shout, and how the heart beats.
Older children with an interest in science will be no less interested, as the museum has some very 'serious' exhibits, such as a nuclear reactor. Of course, it is only a computer model, but they can still learn all about it. Younger visitors will also enjoy observing the museum's living inhabitants, such as ants building an anthill or mice taking part in safe experiments.
A visit to Extavium Potsdam is also fun and educational for adults. All the exhibits are accompanied by signs that explain in detail the causes and properties of the phenomena on display.
The museum believes that for active and fun learning, children need to be shown, explained and, of course, allowed to try the experiments themselves! There are detailed instructions at each experiment station. If you don't know what to do, the museum staff will be happy to help. You and your child can learn how to create optical illusions, build solar panels, create artificial weather in a bottle and that's not all.
The idea for this unusual museum came from a group of parents in Potsdam who decided that their children needed a place where they could play and learn at the same time.
The team began collecting artefacts in 2004, and today the museum is not only fully operational, but also contributing to the development of education in the city and beyond. They run seminars for teachers, organise science festivals and theme weeks, and visit schools with educational performances.
Within walking distance is another exciting place for a family visit - Babelsberg Filmpark
The Extavium Potsdam also offers an educational children's party service, such as birthday parties. Even if you're not planning to delve so deeply into the world of the Extavium, be sure to spend at least a couple of hours at the museum. After exploring the exhibits, have lunch in the café.
