The Brilliant Bug Ball Comes to Life: Pre-K and K1 at Animalium

Buzzing with excitement and wide-eyed with curiosity, our Pre-K and K1 students set off on their very first field trip to Animalium – an animal science centre operated by Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional – where learning fluttered and crawled vividly to life. Thoughtfully connected to their classroom theme, “The Brilliant Bug Ball,” the visit transformed everyday lessons into a lively, real-world adventure. 

Throughout the day, students were divided into small groups and guided through different zones, each introducing them to unique animal groups such as birds, reptiles, fishes, and invertebrates. With the help of knowledgeable guides, students explored habitats, discovered animal characteristics, and learned about the important roles each species plays in its ecosystem.

Learning took on a lively rhythm in the bird section, where students observed how different beaks are adapted for survival. Outdoors, they encountered ducks on the water, peacocks in graceful display, and owls perched calmly. The nearby bridge – overlooking fish, turtles, and otters – soon became a highlight. As Jaden of K1B shared, “I saw ducks, bugs, and owls… the funnest part was seeing the owl!”

The reptile zone brought a quiet sense of awe and reflection. Students encountered both venomous and non-venomous snakes, alongside lizards and alligators. Many of these animals had been rescued from illegal wildlife trade and are now carefully protected and studied. More than just an encounter, this experience introduced students to the importance of conservation, helping them understand that animals are not simply for display, but for care and research.

At the heart of the trip was the bug exhibition, closely tied to their ongoing theme. In this space, students stepped into the small yet fascinating world of invertebrates – examining grasshoppers, butterflies, spiders, ladybugs, and bees. Preserved specimens sat alongside live displays, where delicate cocoons and active creatures invited closer attention. Emily from K1A beamed, “A butterfly landed on my hand!” – a moment that perfectly captured the magic of hands-on learning.

As the students continued on their adventures between exhibits, there were some showcases that most definitely became one of the most memorable moments that will carry on with them. Teachers Ms Nadia from PG Pre-K and Ms Asilah from K1B noted how mesmerized and excited the students were when they saw a life-sized great white shark statue for the first time. Not only that, they were absolutely over the moon when they played with the interactive weight scale that lets the students compare their sizes to various animals. This whole trip was not only fun and educational for students but also for teachers too! With Ms Nadia and Ms Asilah being introduced to binturong, a very unique mammal that they admitted was a brand new discovery even for them.

Beyond the Animalium, the students also learned for the first time the vital safety and independence of going on a field trip. Practicing the essential rules of the road from carefully buckling their seatbelts on the bus to mastering the art of listening and staying close to the tour guide and teachers. The students demonstrate growing maturity with listening intently to the tour guide and following the museum rules, far beyond what the classroom could ever teach them.

In the end, the journey to Animalium became an unforgettable educational experience for the students to remember as they step into academic and social development. With the buses pulling back into the school, the students came back with not only fun facts about great white sharks and butterflies, but also with the confidence to navigate safely with a sprouting sense of wonder that will fuel their curiosity for years to come.