I enjoyed seeing the variety of exhibits and theming seen in the early learning area especially The Wonder Cabinet. All of the exhibits were labeled in the most prevalent languages in their community - English, Spanish and Vietnamese. The museum produces and sells exhibits to other children's museums like the "make an impression" pin wall. One of the biggest questions we had was how do they clean their manipulatives. Using guidelines from Clorox.com, the staff has implemented a cleaning routine where manipulatives are changed out with sanitized ones every day. They have a special sanitizing machine that they use.
I noticed a few of their larger exhibits were funded with partnerships - First 5 sponsored the Wonder Cabinet and Kaiser Permanent sponsored their nutrition section.
They dedicated a large space to their water exhibit. A large section of water exhibits were geared towards the smaller kids - downsized versions of the bigger exhibits on the opposite side of the room. As you can see - it was a very popular area!
I liked this bubble feature so much so that I found a place that can make them. http://exs.exploratorium.edu/exhibits/parting-water/
I loved the water! It was so cool that the kids could shoot the balls! Your comment about the signage reminded me ...
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to look at all the different forms of signage / messages about all the "danger" in dealing with these exhibits.
With water - children could slip, drown, etc. But the only signage they had posted was just "This area can be slippery when wet". The museums focus their signage on encouraging activities for parents and children to do things together and what is learned.
Even at the exhibit with falling bowling balls!
The first photo reminded me that I still want a pinfield!
ReplyDeleteNow! :]