Our Board of Directors selected the design/build firm
Creative Machines of Tucson, Arizona to translate our vision into reality. Creative Machines
designs exhibits and environments that encourage creativity, support social interaction, and inspire self-confidence. Relevant projects include the Bishop Museum Science Adventure Center, Amgen Center for Science Learning at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, Anchorage Museum in Alaska and the Alqanater Children's Museum in Cairo, Egypt. Creative Machines also fabricates the wonderful interactive exhibits and ball machines designed by the artist George Rhoads.
Our interactive exhibits will use stealth learning, or learning through play, to engage children's minds, bodies, hearts and senses in unforgettable experiences. Children of all ages will have fun understanding and realizing their own power --- KidPower --- to think, play, create, share, wonder, explore, imagine, experiment, invent and much more. Through science, the arts, and new media, the dynamic exhibits will encourage, challenge and inspire.
The exhibits will:
• be FUN!
• facilitate cooperative learning.
• accommodate different learning styles and abilities.
• offer multi-sensory, intellectually challenging experiences.
• encourage inquiry-based, open-ended experiences.
• offer multi-level learning.
• promote sustained learning.
• incorporate a global perspective.
• promote personal responsibility.
• encourage conservation and environmental stewardship.
• enable and empower children to take action to make the world a better place.
PLANNED PROGRAMS
K-6 Schools: Focused programs derived from California State Content Standards will be offered on weekday mornings.
Preschools: Special programs designed to meet the needs of very young children will be offered on weekday mornings.
Families: Parent/child and grandparent/grandchild classes will provide fun opportunities for intergenerational learning.
Children ages 2-10: Classes and camps, fairs and festivals, birthday parties and special events will bring the community together.
Teens & Preteens: Youth aged 12-14 will have the opportunity to complete community service requirements by volunteering as floor assistants. Selected teens aged 14-18 will have the opportunity to work as paid floor staff after school and on weekends.
Teachers & Student Teachers: Special workshops will assist educators in improving their teaching skills. Student teachers from SBCC and UCSB will have the opportunity to earn credits by volunteering as floor staff.
