Construction tips to children at Build a City show

Riyadh Science Oasis with the cooperation of MTE Studios has brought an exhibition on construction called “Build a City” for children from six to 12 years at its center in Al-Othaim Mall in Riyadh. The exhibition began on March 10 and runs until June 10. This is the third time the innovative and interactive exhibit, in which young children without the need for parental supervision learn the basic principles of construction and teamwork ethics while playing, is being hosted in Saudi Arabia. The exhibition will give young visitors an idea of how construction work takes place. While wearing little hard hats and construction vests, children can create, play and learn the concepts of construction and simple machines. “We are bringing an entertaining, educational, interactive exhibition for young Saudi enthusiasts. Our goal is to provide education through entertainment, which gives young people a chance to learn about science while getting hands-on experience with scientific equipment,” said CEO of Riyadh Science Oasis Mazen Abdulrazak Balilah. “We are confident that Build a City will help in accomplishing our goal, as it teaches the children skills in an interactive way, making their visit to Riyadh Science Oasis an enjoyable and memorable experience,” Balilah added. He further said visitors would have the opportunity to operate a pulley, a child-size crane to hook, lift and move objects and materials, as well as to build structures with bricks and blocks. Right through the exhibition, the unrestricted nature of the materials and activities allows creativity to grow. Children are encouraged to use the exhibit in their own way, contributing to personalized learning. “Playing is an essential part of every child’s life and vital to the processes of human development. It provides the mechanism for children to explore the world around them and the medium through which skills are developed and practiced. It is essential for physical, emotional and spiritual growth, intellectual and education development, and acquiring social and behavioral skills,” said Ludo Verheyen, CEO of MTE Studios. “Young children are at the stage of development where they learn by doing. It is not the product to take home that is important, but the ‘doing’ itself that contributes to the child’s learning. Build a City amuses and challenges the minds of children and helps to develop intellectual, physical, emotional and social skills,” added Verheyen. Using scientific processes, mathematical concepts, sensory development and communication, the exhibition helps build self-confidence, coordination, control, strength and self-expression. The construction site of the activity zone develops skills that include planning and supervision, problem solving, teamwork, leadership, motor coordination, hand-eye coordination, use of equipment, vocabulary development, and socializing and recognition skills. The environment zone highlights the importance of natural awareness for a sustainable living environment. The activity zone provides an opportunity for children to enjoy constructive play in a team-building environment. The whole experience allows children to develop social, mental and physical skills while also enjoying themselves.