EXPLORING “Our Earth”

Learning Team 31 May 2024

Understanding ‘our place in this world’ is a lifelong journey for most. But so many of the most important lessons are learned early in our lives, at home. 

To help facilitate the important conversations to have with children about our earth, MoPA’s educators have developed a brand new series called “OUR EARTH” with a range of in-museum activities happening this winter:

ART & CRAFT
What better way to create impactful conversations than provide opportunities to make things to take home? You simply MUST check out our new “Happy Earth” slider-art activity!

LITERATURE
We’ve curated some of the most wonderful new children’s books that will make your heart sing. Learn about the land, the sea, the sky, our bodies, our planet and our place in it…

MINDFULNESS
We’ll introduce some basic (and very very cute) concepts of mindfulness, taking some time to pause and reflect on the miracles of mother nature. You do NOT want to miss “Mindfulness YOGA”!

All “Our Earth” activities will run all day, every day, here at MoPA.

But ALSO, as a reminder of how easy it can be to make a difference, we’ve put together…

A BIG LIST OF SMALL THINGS (THAT ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE) 

  1. Ride your bike or scooter
  2. Plant some veggies
  3. Buy second hand or swap with friends
  4. Cook at home
  5. Eat more vegetables and less meat
  6. Organise a community clean up
  7. Save water
  8. Buy less packaged products
  9. Recycle
  10. Turn off the lights
  11. Use a blanket instead of the heater
  12. Clean with natural products
  13. But the imperfect produce
  14. Mend it instead of replacing it
  15. Air dry your washed clothes
  16. Compost organic waste
  17. Refill water bottles
  18. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
  19. Carpool
  20. Eat leftovers instead of throwing them out
  21. Use energy efficient lights
  22. Use both sides of the paper
  23. Plant a tree
  24. Eat seasonal produce
  25. Recycle batteries and buy rechargeable
  26. Walk more
  27. Make a bird feeder
  28. Plant flowers for the bees
  29. Buy less plastic toys
  30. Up-cycle for craft projects
  31. Donate old clothes and toys
  32. Visit the library instead of buying a book
  33. Plant native plants
  34. Organise a toy trade with friends
  35. Use reusable bags
  36. Keep your cat indoors
  37. Clean up your favourite park
  38. Have a quick shower
  39. Use cold water to wash clothes and dishes
  40. Water your plants in the morning
  41. Use a reusable coffee cup
  42. Only run the dishwasher when full
  43. Install slow-flow shower heads
  44. Use reusable straws
  45. Use Beeswax wrap
  46. Avoid aerosol cans
  47. Use fans instead of aircon
  48. Turn off unnecessary electronics
  49. Pack lunches in reusable containers
  50. Be kind to creatures
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“OUR EARTH” 🌍 + DOUBLE activities 🎨 = ALL school holidays!! (60% sold out already)

We’re doubling-down on pogromming EVERY DAY of the holidays, so that every session feels like a giant choose-your-own-play-based-learning-adventure!!!

Special thanks to our gorgeous little guests who wanted to show off their “OUR EARTH” craft outcomes in this lil’ vid. This activity, plus SEVEN others, programmed all day every day this school holidays. Let’s get bizzay!!! x

Open
“OUR EARTH” 🌍 + DOUBLE activities 🎨 = ALL school holidays!! (60% sold out already) We’re doubling-down on pogromming EVERY DAY of the holidays, so that every session feels like a giant choose-your-own-play-based-learning-adventure!!! Special thanks to our gorgeous little guests who wanted to show off their “OUR EARTH” craft outcomes in this lil’ vid. This activity, plus SEVEN others, programmed all day every day this school holidays. Let’s get bizzay!!! x

Hey Northsiders, guess what? MoPA is coming to Thomastown!

Over one million Melburnians have access to Thomastown in under 20-minutes, and so when this BEAUTIFUL building at 391 Settlement Road became available it was an absolute no-brainer that we secure it for Melbourne’s newest Children’s Museum.

We love love LOVE that this building is rich in heritage and artful history. It was originally a pottery studio, built in 1923, and home to potters from all over the world for more than 50-years. And now, this beautiful big building will be re-imagined as Melbourne’s newest Children’s Museum, jam-packed with immersive learning experiences, but also dance, theatre, storytelling, craft, art, and more, all designed to support the Early Years Learning Framework and Victorian Curriculum.

Tag your northside BFFs and start planning your playdates, excursions and parties. We expect to be ready to open in mid Spring of 2024 and will keep you posted with progress updates. xx 🌈🎨🧑‍🎨❤️

Open
Hey Northsiders, guess what? MoPA is coming to Thomastown! Over one million Melburnians have access to Thomastown in under 20-minutes, and so when this BEAUTIFUL building at 391 Settlement Road became available it was an absolute no-brainer that we secure it for Melbourne’s newest Children’s Museum. We love love LOVE that this building is rich in heritage and artful history. It was originally a pottery studio, built in 1923, and home to potters from all over the world for more than 50-years. And now, this beautiful big building will be re-imagined as Melbourne’s newest Children’s Museum, jam-packed with immersive learning experiences, but also dance, theatre, storytelling, craft, art, and more, all designed to support the Early Years Learning Framework and Victorian Curriculum. Tag your northside BFFs and start planning your playdates, excursions and parties. We expect to be ready to open in mid Spring of 2024 and will keep you posted with progress updates. xx 🌈🎨🧑‍🎨❤️

OK… So, this is happening (again!)

Details soon… 🌈🎨🔨🪚🧑‍🎨🖼️

Open
OK… So, this is happening (again!) Details soon… 🌈🎨🔨🪚🧑‍🎨🖼️

“Our Earth” starts tomorrow at MoPA!!

Understanding ‘our place in this world’ is a lifelong journey for most. But SO many of the most important lessons are learned early in our lives, at home. To help facilitate the important conversations to have with children, MoPA’s educators have developed a range of new activities called “Our Earth” and this new series starts tomorrow at MoPA. All the new activities run all day, every day. Visit our fancy new website for more detail.

But ALSO, as a reminder of how easy it can be to make a difference, we’ve put together...

🌈 A BIG LIST OF SMALL THINGS (THAT ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE) ☀️…

1. Ride your bike or scooter
2. Plant some veggies
3. Buy second hand or swap with friends
4. Cook at home
5. Eat more vegetables and less meat
6. Organise a community clean up
7. Save water
8. Buy less packaged products
9. Recycle
10. Turn off the lights
11. Use a blanket instead of the heater
12. Clean with natural products
13. But the imperfect produce
14. Mend it instead of replacing it
15. Air dry your washed clothes
16. Compost organic waste
17. Refill water bottles
18. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
19. Carpool
20. Eat left overs instead of throwing them out
21. Use energy efficient lights
22. Use both sides of the paper
23. Plant a tree
24. Eat seasonal produce
25. Recycle batteries and buy rechargeable
26. Walk more
27. Make a bird feeder
28. Plant flowers for the bees
29. Buy less plastic toys
30. Up-cycle for craft projects
31. Donate old clothes and toys
32. Visit the library instead of buying a book
33. Plant native plants
34. Organise a toy trade with friends
35. Use reusable bags
36. Keep your cat indoors
37. Clean up your favourite park
38. Have a quick shower
39. Use cold water to wash clothes and dishes
40. Water your plants in the morning
41. Use a reusable coffee cup
42. Only run the dishwasher when full
43. Install slow-flow shower heads
44. Use reusable straws
45. Use Beeswax wrap
46. Avoid aerosol cans
47. Use fans instead of aircon
48. Turn off unnecessary electronics
49. Pack lunches in reusable containers
50. Be kind to creatures

Open
“Our Earth” starts tomorrow at MoPA!! Understanding ‘our place in this world’ is a lifelong journey for most. But SO many of the most important lessons are learned early in our lives, at home. To help facilitate the important conversations to have with children, MoPA’s educators have developed a range of new activities called “Our Earth” and this new series starts tomorrow at MoPA. All the new activities run all day, every day. Visit our fancy new website for more detail. But ALSO, as a reminder of how easy it can be to make a difference, we’ve put together... 🌈 A BIG LIST OF SMALL THINGS (THAT ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE) ☀️… 1. Ride your bike or scooter 2. Plant some veggies 3. Buy second hand or swap with friends 4. Cook at home 5. Eat more vegetables and less meat 6. Organise a community clean up 7. Save water 8. Buy less packaged products 9. Recycle 10. Turn off the lights 11. Use a blanket instead of the heater 12. Clean with natural products 13. But the imperfect produce 14. Mend it instead of replacing it 15. Air dry your washed clothes 16. Compost organic waste 17. Refill water bottles 18. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth 19. Carpool 20. Eat left overs instead of throwing them out 21. Use energy efficient lights 22. Use both sides of the paper 23. Plant a tree 24. Eat seasonal produce 25. Recycle batteries and buy rechargeable 26. Walk more 27. Make a bird feeder 28. Plant flowers for the bees 29. Buy less plastic toys 30. Up-cycle for craft projects 31. Donate old clothes and toys 32. Visit the library instead of buying a book 33. Plant native plants 34. Organise a toy trade with friends 35. Use reusable bags 36. Keep your cat indoors 37. Clean up your favourite park 38. Have a quick shower 39. Use cold water to wash clothes and dishes 40. Water your plants in the morning 41. Use a reusable coffee cup 42. Only run the dishwasher when full 43. Install slow-flow shower heads 44. Use reusable straws 45. Use Beeswax wrap 46. Avoid aerosol cans 47. Use fans instead of aircon 48. Turn off unnecessary electronics 49. Pack lunches in reusable containers 50. Be kind to creatures

What does yellow SMELL like? Ok, but what does it SOUND like? And how does it FEEL?

Asking children abstract questions about simple subject matter is SUCH a fun and fascinating way to unlock creative thinking. The resulting discussions will also probably be the cutest thing you’ll hear all week.

Those that have explored the giant sensory colour wheel at MoPA Sandringham will remember that this exhibit is a huge abstract exploration of colour. And if you’ve perhaps just walked past it in the past, thinking that it sits smack bang in the centre of the Museum just because it’s beautiful - next time we suggest you pause, engage, discuss your colourful ideas with those around you, and soak up your child’s amazing abstract thought exploration…

x MoPA

Open
What does yellow SMELL like? Ok, but what does it SOUND like? And how does it FEEL? Asking children abstract questions about simple subject matter is SUCH a fun and fascinating way to unlock creative thinking. The resulting discussions will also probably be the cutest thing you’ll hear all week. Those that have explored the giant sensory colour wheel at MoPA Sandringham will remember that this exhibit is a huge abstract exploration of colour. And if you’ve perhaps just walked past it in the past, thinking that it sits smack bang in the centre of the Museum just because it’s beautiful - next time we suggest you pause, engage, discuss your colourful ideas with those around you, and soak up your child’s amazing abstract thought exploration… x MoPA

As we grow older, and then become mothers and fathers ourselves, we start to realise that communicating the depth of our gratitude for Mums is impossible. But we sure can try 🥰 !!

This week at MoPA, we plan to do our BEST to show all our mothers and others just how much we love and appreciate them. Starting Monday 6th we’re kicking off a full week of festivities starting with the most gorgeous crafter-noons (and crafter-mornings!? 😅) making thousands of the lil’ flower cards pictured here in this post.

All our Mumma-focused curriculum will run ALL day EVERY day, right up until Mother’s Day, May 12th.

Love you Mum 💝

x MoPA

Open
As we grow older, and then become mothers and fathers ourselves, we start to realise that communicating the depth of our gratitude for Mums is impossible. But we sure can try 🥰 !! This week at MoPA, we plan to do our BEST to show all our mothers and others just how much we love and appreciate them. Starting Monday 6th we’re kicking off a full week of festivities starting with the most gorgeous crafter-noons (and crafter-mornings!? 😅) making thousands of the lil’ flower cards pictured here in this post. All our Mumma-focused curriculum will run ALL day EVERY day, right up until Mother’s Day, May 12th. Love you Mum 💝 x MoPA

There ain’t nothin’ like a super-cute puppy post to get us all to paws and reflect... 🐾

One of MoPA’s key partners, MacKillop Family Services, do LOTS of AMAZING work to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and loving home. One beautiful example [that’s particularly close to home for the team here at MoPA] of their work is the incredible “Paw Pals” program; supporting the placement of therapy dogs with children who have experienced trauma, to help them reconnect with their learning.

Some of the MoPA team actually had the pleasure of meeting one of the program’s participants recently and... WOW. This. Program. Changes. Lives.

And today - 30 April, 2024 - MacKillop’s matching partners are TRIPLING all donations to the annual #pawpalsappeal . So, a $10 donation will become $30; $100 becomes $300, and the $333 donation MoPA has made this morning has become $999 - WOOP!

Head to www.pawpalsappeal.org.au before midnight tonight to TRIPLE your impact ❤️

Open
There ain’t nothin’ like a super-cute puppy post to get us all to paws and reflect... 🐾 One of MoPA’s key partners, MacKillop Family Services, do LOTS of AMAZING work to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and loving home. One beautiful example [that’s particularly close to home for the team here at MoPA] of their work is the incredible “Paw Pals” program; supporting the placement of therapy dogs with children who have experienced trauma, to help them reconnect with their learning. Some of the MoPA team actually had the pleasure of meeting one of the program’s participants recently and... WOW. This. Program. Changes. Lives. And today - 30 April, 2024 - MacKillop’s matching partners are TRIPLING all donations to the annual #pawpalsappeal . So, a $10 donation will become $30; $100 becomes $300, and the $333 donation MoPA has made this morning has become $999 - WOOP! Head to www.pawpalsappeal.org.au before midnight tonight to TRIPLE your impact ❤️

WE. LOVE. TO. PARTY 🥳

Fully hosted, cupcaked, ballooned birthday parties are our thang!!

Oh… And personalised exhibits, private rooms, party bags, children’s food packs, all dietaries catered, gourmet adult platters, family dance parties, coffee tabs, bubbles and beers, and SMASHINGS of fun!!!

All parties book out roughly 8-weeks in advance. Give us a buzz if you have any questions!! xx MoPA

Open
WE. LOVE. TO. PARTY 🥳 Fully hosted, cupcaked, ballooned birthday parties are our thang!! Oh… And personalised exhibits, private rooms, party bags, children’s food packs, all dietaries catered, gourmet adult platters, family dance parties, coffee tabs, bubbles and beers, and SMASHINGS of fun!!! All parties book out roughly 8-weeks in advance. Give us a buzz if you have any questions!! xx MoPA