Aha! Moments at Discovery Place
October 13, 2009
We often talk about the big successes at Discovery Place and we are very proud of those. But, it is the little things that happen here every day — the small moments when we connect with a child or an adult and inspire them to see the world differently or give them an “aha!” moment – that embody our organization’s mission of igniting wonder.
One of the most popular exhibits in Discovery Place right now is Kapla. The response that these simple wooden building planks have generated from our visitors has been amazing. During a high school group’s visit to Discovery Place not too long ago, a contest to build the tallest tower out of Kapla Blocks broke out between classmates and quickly escalated to an intense competition. Circles of chanting, cheering, excited students encircled each of the top competitors. Would you believe that the winner’s structure stood 9 feet tall? It was held together not by glue or interlocking pieces, but by a great design based on basic engineering principles. It was a beautiful sight to behold as accomplishments in science and mathematics were celebrated in a way usually reserved for sports. And, it was even more extraordinary because we were watching high school students engaged like this. People often think of Discovery Place as being only for elementary school students. But we know – from seeing it on the floor – that visitors of all ages have a home here.
Experiences that engage, excite, inspire and educate visitors of all ages about math, science and the natural world take place every day at Charlotte Nature Museum and Discovery Place. It is through the generous support of our donors that we are able to continue the work of igniting wonder and inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers, physicians and leaders. Please consider investing in informal science education for our community by making a gift today. Click here to make a donation today.
Comments
Post a CommentI agree that the Discovery Place is a great place for people of all ages. Like I posted in another blog, I'm 28 year old and I love it!! I did some volunteer work this past weekend and it was a great experience. I did a demonstration that coincides with the Shipwreck! exhibit, which by the way is fantastic. They demo consisted of a tupperware box filled with sand and water where I buried artifacts from a "shipwreck" including: a toy car, necklaces, a watch, spoon, little girls hairband, cologne bottle, pennies, beads, etc. I asked the kids if they wanted to do an archaeological dig with me to find out if the ship that wrecked was a military vessel, passenger vessel or commercial vessel. They all seemed to love it! I took a restroom break and while I was in there I heard a mother ask her two daughters what their favorite part of the Shipwreck! exhibit was and they both said, "The sand!" That definitely made my day! So it is the little things about the Discovery Place that make the visitors happy.
Cat Ross - November 09, 2009