PLEASE NOTE: Mathamazing has now closed at The Sciencentre, but we’ll be sure to let you know if it returns!
Attached to the Queensland Museum at South Bank is the Sciencentre. Itโs a fantastic destination for families, with many displays that allow visitors to get hands-on and experience science at work. As well as the exciting permanent exhibits on offer at the Sciencentre, temporary exhibitions regularly transform the space. The current exhibition, aimed at children in grades 6 and above, is Mathamazing – a collection of activities and challenges that explore mathematical concepts such as measurement, problem solving, shapes, probability and more.
What is on offer at Mathamazing?
A total hands-on experience, Mathamazing features a variety of activities that pose questions and challenges to visitors. Touchscreens ask ‘What is the shortest distance you can fly across the world and back again, stopping at predetermined cities?’, giant games challenge users to navigate a maze of coloured dots with an oversized rectangular prism, and balance scales test to work out the mass of an object. One hilarious challenge sees two people trying to untangle themselves from an intertwined set of rope manacles. The way that Mathamazing poses these mathematical challenges makes for an entertaining and fun learning experience; one that is guaranteed to instill a curiosity that will continue long after you have left the Sciencentre for the day.
Mathamazing for kids of all ages
Although it may be aimed at older children, younger Brisbane Kids can also have a great time exploring Mathamazing. Both my 7 year old and my 10 year old equally enjoyed the challenges posed in the dozens of displays that form part of this exhibition. As every single element of Mathamazing features hands-on activities for visitors, it provides a wonderful challenge for younger children to get involved in and learn, with opportunities for older siblings to guide and teach. In my opinion, the best part of a visit to the Sciencentre is that participating in the activities is providing educational experiences for all ages in fun and exciting ways that simply don’t feel like learning!
WARNING: Your children will want to stay at the Sciencentre FOREVER, so be sure to allow plenty of time (I’d recommend at least two hours) to explore the entire Mathamazing exhibition and the remainder of the long-standing activities.
The Sciencentre’s permanent exhibits
A visit to the Sciencentre to see Mathamazing would not be complete without also checking out the other permanent exhibits. This area can bring a lot of enjoyment to children (and adults!) of all ages, with one of the most popular areas being the optical illusions corner. Brisbane Kids absolutely love seeing their heads on a platter and sitting at the giant table where they appear as even tinier humans. The running track and ball toss, often rowdy, are irresistible to Brisbane Kids keen to beat their friends’ fastest speeds.
Mathamazing Ticket Prices
Admission to the Mathamazing exhibition is included in the Sciencentre ticket prices, which are as follows (as of 13th April 2017) –
- Adult: $14.50
- Concession/Full-time Student: $12.50
- Child (3-15) (must be accompanied by an adult 18+) $11.50
- Family ticket: (2 Adults/Concessions & up to 4 Children) $44.50
Prices include booking fees.
Mathamazing Opening Times
The Sciencentre is open daily from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm, excluding Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. On ANZAC Day the Sciencentre opens from 1.30 pm. Tickets are sold until 4pm to allow plenty of time for you to enjoy the activities on offer before the centre closes.
Mathamazing at the Sciencentre runs from 1st April to 3rd September 2017. The Sciencentre is located on level 1 of the Queensland Museum building, corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Brisbane. To find out more, please click here.
Join the conversation