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 and 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, fish, 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… but the best 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 the 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 their adventures between exhibits, there were some showscases that most definitely became some 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 which allowed students to compare their sizes to various animals. This whole trip was not only fun and educational for students but also for teachers as well! With Ms Nadia and Ms Asilah being introduced to the binturong, a very unique mammal that they admitted was a brand-new discovery even for them.

Beyond Animalium, the students also learned for the first time the vital importance of safety and independence during 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 demonstrated growing maturity with listening intently to the tour guide and following the museum rules.

In the end, the journey to Animalium became an unforgettable educational experience for the students to remember as they step into their 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.