The Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi expands its digital school tours

Abu Dhabi, June 23 / WAM / The Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi continues to transfer a journey spanning 13.8 billion years of natural history to the classroom through the museum’s virtual sessions programme, an educational program designed to connect students with the museum’s stories, collections and scientific topics outside the boundaries of its halls and exhibitions.

Since the launch of the program last April, about 7,500 students and more than 500 teachers in more than 40 schools have benefited from it, which reflects the growing interest of schools in the UAE and abroad to participate in this educational initiative.

The museum’s virtual sessions were developed with the aim of expanding the scope of the museum’s educational programs beyond its physical halls and galleries, and today they have become an essential and sustainable part of its educational program.

The program combines direct guidance provided by museum education specialists, illustrated content from exhibitions, and subsequent interactive activities, allowing schools to benefit from the museum experience whether as an independent educational activity or as an introductory and complementary stage to in-person school visits.

Dr. Peter C. said: Kjærgaard, Director of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi: “From the beginning, our ambition was to create a vibrant museum in the classroom, just as it is in the Saadiyat Cultural District. Through virtual museum sessions, we take students on a journey spanning 13.8 billion years of natural history, helping them see science as a living story that relates to their world, their questions and their future.”

Each session was designed to suit the age group of the participating students, their level of curiosity, and the requirements of their curricula. The sessions begin with a direct welcome from one of the museum’s education specialists, before the students embark on a virtual journey that displays ten main exhibits that tell the story of the universe and planet Earth in an interactive and exciting manner.

During this journey, students move from the beginnings of the universe and the formation of the Earth to the evolution of life, human history, and the rich biodiversity we witness today, while having the opportunity to ask questions, share their observations, and explore multiple topics, including endangered and extinct animals, climate change, biodiversity, and the importance of preserving the environment.

The sessions are designed to complement in-person visits to the museum, as they provide schools with a flexible way to communicate with the Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum. For a number of schools, these sessions represent an introductory introduction that precedes a visit to the museum, while for other schools, especially international schools or those who are unable to access it, the impact of the program extends beyond the screen through educational activities designed to suit different age groups.

For example, younger students interact with the story of “Stegotraploden Emiratus” in creative ways by writing letters and drawing, and can later bring their work to the museum. As for older students, they explore environmental issues through activities that encourage observation, contemplation, and scientific thinking.

Online sessions are delivered in close coordination with teachers, with flexibility in session length, number of participants, and content focus to suit the curriculum.

The program received the support of the education team at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, especially in expanding access to schools affiliated with the Ministry of Education.

As one of the region’s most prominent scientific and cultural institutions, the Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum continues to establish itself as an important educational resource for schools, families and students.

Through its educational experiences within the museum and across digital platforms, the museum is creating more ways that enable the public to interact with the natural world, deepen their understanding of science, and see Abu Dhabi as a destination where learning, curiosity and culture meet.

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