Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Prepare to Enter the Spellbinding World of Bubbles!

Supported In Part by a Prestigious IMLS Grant, New Exhibit Slated to Open May 15th

Denver, CO – After much anticipation, the NEW exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Denver, Bubbles, will open for hands-on exploration starting May 15th. Children of all ages will experience the magical and fantastical world of bubble play like never before! And, they will learn the science behind these translucent wonders in the most imaginable ways possible.
According to the National Science Foundation, recent studies show that most students did not reach the proficient performance levels when tested in Mathematics and Science. Many researchers and educators agree that when students get turned off by math and science at an early age, it is very difficult to get them interested in high school. Positive and meaningful exposure to these concepts at a very young age can have a larger influence on a child’s interest and development throughout life.

Bubbles engage an audience like few things can. They mesmerize, inspire and entertain children and adults alike. By using bubbles as the medium, the Children’s Museum of Denver will introduce scientific concepts in ways that make learning fun and applicable to the world we live in. Through multiple interactive experiences within the exhibit called “Platforms for Play,” Bubbles will teach various science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) concepts.

With kids cranking out enormous bubbles over six-feet long with the Big Bubble Maker, filling bubbles upon bubbles with a vapor mist at the Vapor Station, kids (sometimes three at a time!) fully encased in a bubble in the Bubble Booth, vapor-filled bubbles dropping from the ceiling in the Drop Zone and much more, the learning is abundant. Force and evaporation, water vapor, shapes and mixtures, and measurements in size, area, diameter, volume and length can all be realized from soapy, sudsy bubbles.

Bubbles is supported in part by a $133,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. “The creation of Bubbles has been a labor of love for the Children’s Museum team. IMLS has been a true partner in this effort for the last two years and we greatly appreciate their support,” said Mike Yankovich, interim Museum president.

Additional support for Bubbles was also provided by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District and other valued local foundations and Museum supporters.

The Making of Bubbles

The Children’s Museum of Denver began brainstorming the concept of Bubbles more than three years ago. The Museum’s Exhibits and Education teams worked in tandem developing the educational content for the exhibit, and then designing the interactive machinery that would achieve the goal of science-based learning through something every child loves, bubbles.

“We wanted to provide a resource for parents, kids and educators in our community. Bubbles was created with deep educational value in a completely fun environment,” says Jennifer Mullix, Director of Education at the Children’s Museum of Denver. “Bubbles was intentionally designed and fabricated to complement Colorado Model Content Standards so families and students could visit and reinforce what they are learning in school.”

The designers at the Children’s Museum visited other institutions with bubble exhibits around the country to see what they were doing and how, and then came back to the drawing board to figure what was working well and what they could do differently. This exhibit is truly one-of-a-kind.

Using WillitWorks, the Children’s Museum’s fully equipped prototyping area, the testing began. Every component and idea around Bubbles was tested and retested to

Bubbles Age Target:

Children (and adults!) two-years-old and up will love Bubbles, but the exhibit is most developmentally appropriate for six- to eight-year-olds.

About the Children’s Museum of Denver
Since its inception in 1973, the Children’s Museum of Denver has been a place that ignites and fosters a great love of learning. Our mission is to create a community where children and their grownups learn through play. The Museum provides rich play experiences and a dynamic learning environment to help young children prepare for their future. The Children's Museum of Denver is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that relies heavily on the support of Museum friends.

The Children’s Museum of Denver is located at I-25 and 23rd Avenue (exit 211), in the Platte River Valley. For more details about the Museum, and its programs and events please visit www.mychildsmuseum.org.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

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