MOTAT launches new, interactive exhibition

On October 31 a new exhibition opened at the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) in Auckland, called 'Sounds Amazing: Discover the Science of Sound.

The exhibit organisers say, the science of sound and how music is made are just two of the subjects explored in this interactive exhibition.

Developed and toured by Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History in Palmerston North, the exhibit answers in-depth questions about sound in a hands-on way.

Catherine Hehir, Te Manawa Museum touring exhibitions manager, says the exhibition combines in-depth science information with tactile experiences in a vibrant and engaging way.

"It's all about having fun while learning how sound is made," she says.

Sounds Amazing - Discover the Science of Sound, engages hands, eyes and ears. How musicians get notes from string, wind or percussion instruments is demonstrated by strumming giant harps, striking gamelans (a traditional musical ensemble from Java and Bali), playing slap-a-phone (bongo pipes), or tickling the ivories of a giant keyboard.

The exhibition is said to be engaging for children, enabling them to explore concepts relating to the science of sound, including sound production and how sound travels.

Children and adults alike can play with the 'weird and wonderful' instruments in this examination of the second sense, exhibit organisers say.

Sounds Amazing will be at MOTAT until 7 February 2016 and entry to this exhibition is included in the general MOTAT admission fees.