Science museums are amazing. You can learn so much at a science museum if you live close enough to one to visit on family outings or school trips. In fact, 12 of the 20 most visited museums in the U. S. are science museums according to USA Today.

“If you don’t live in or near a large city, you may not get a chance to visit a science museum or any museum. So, while the content is vitally important, their impact is limited. There just aren’t enough science museums,” said Charles Philipp, one of the founders of MICRO, “and with the high costs required to run conventional museums, it’s unlikely that we’ll be seeing a bunch of new traditional science museums appearing all over the country anytime soon.”

Philipp and his partner Amanda Schochet decided to reinvent science museums by micro-sizing them. They launched MICRO, a nonprofit organization that builds tiny six-foot-tall — about the size of a typical vending machine (自动售卖机) — science museums that are portable and replicable(可复制的). The plan is to engage people of all ages with science and to do it completely free in places where people are, such as waiting rooms of hospitals, libraries, airports, and even shopping malls.

To make the museums a reality, they gathered a team of engineers, storytellers, and designers. MICRO’s museums are site tested and lasting. Each of the micro museums explores a scientific topic. For example, the Smallest Mollusk Museum explores the world of mollusks(软体动物) and is actually the only museum devoted only to mollusks; the Perpetual Motion Museum focuses on physics and engineering. New museums are planned to explore fun topics in the sciences.

“Our goal is that within five years, we will actually be the most visited museums in the country,” Schochet said, “Our museums are very small, but our dreams for this are huge.” Hopefully one will come to a neighborhood near you soon.

Discover Xiamen’s Four Must-Visit Attractions

Join us on a fascinating trip through Xiamen’s beauty and culture as we visit four famous places like Gulangyu Island and Nanputuo Temple, each showcasing the city’s rich history andscenic charm.

Gulangyu Island: A Romantic Escape

Discover the charming beauty of Gulangyu Island.The island is famous for its unique buildings and romantic atmosphere. Take a leisurely (悠闲的)walk along the narrow streets，feel the refreshing ocean breeze,and immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture.

Hulishan Fortress: Historic Sentinel by the Sea

Hulishan Fortress is a historic marvel in Xiamen. It offers a glimpse into the city’s military past. The fortress has impressive architecture (建筑风格)and a strategic location by the sea.This makes it an attractive site for visitors to explore. It has a rich history and cultural significance.Both locals and tourists cherish it for its unique charm and heritage.

Island Ring Road: Scenic Coastal Drive

Experience the coastal beauty of Xiamen on the Island Ring Road. Whether on foot,bicycle,or by car,enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and cityscape. Discover parks,sculptures,and beautiful gardens along this picturesque route.

Jimei School Village: Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Explore Jimei School Village and witness the integration of traditional Chinese and modern architectural styles.This combination of tradition and innovation provides a glimpse into the development of education and culture in this unique village setting.

Each destination promises a unique experience, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Where should an adventurous tourist go? After you’ve done sightseeing in London, shopping in New York, enjoyed the local food in Paris, and danced to your heart’s content at the Brazilian carnival, where else can you go? What attractive tourist destination awaits you?

Well, Antarctica sounds like the holiday of a lifetime! It's considered the last great wilderness on Earth. Just a few scientists in research stations share the icy landscape with penguins and other animals which can struggle with the low temperatures.

Tourism began in Antarctica in the 1950s and it's still small part. About 37,000 tourists are expected there this season, but many won't even leave the boat.

The BBC’s Juliet Rix visited the frozen continent and asked herself if she should be there at all, causing potential problems to such a sensitive environment. Her tour guide admitted that all visitors leave a footprint and they all go to the same places, the accessible coastline, which is also where the penguins and seals go to raise.

But some people believe that if carefully controlled, tourism can be good for Antarctica. It has no native population and it needs advocates. Visitors to the icy continent might be ready to support and even to fund its preservation. And they're likely to engage in the discussion about global warming, which has led to the melting of glaciers.

According to Rix, guidelines are followed when you’re about to set foot in Antarctica and tourists have to disinfect（消毒）their boots to make sure no alien species are introduced.

And once on land, there's no eating or smoking. Rocks, bone fragments—nothing should be taken as a souvenir and nothing should be left behind.

Tourists fortunate enough to visit the Antarctic must be aware that this is not their home and keep their fingers crossed that future generations will also be able to enjoy such breathtaking views.