Hands-on Exhibits

We’ve grown a lot in our 12 years!

Aerodynamics
Sponsored by John & Gina Dineen
Kids will watch in amazement as they insert plastic balls into the various openings of the AIR SORTER EXHIBIT, then delight with glee as the balls shoot through the assortment of hoses and finally pop out the maze of pipes.  The more children work with the plastic balls and hoses, the better they become at determining how long it takes the balls to pop out. It’s problem solving, predicting and cooperation at its best! Even the youngest child is learning about the power and capabilities of air and direction!

On one side of the AIR TOSS EXHIBIT children will insert plastic balls into vertical air chutes and be amazed as the balls shoot out into a catch basket.  On the other side, they use air hoses to power a range of activities from pinwheels to pan pipes to inflatable balloons. Before they know it, they’ve learned about the characteristics of air and how it affects objects – yes, aerodynamics!

The exhibits were created for the Children’s Museum by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).

The Healer Within
presented by LECOM
Human anatomy, structure, and function come alive for children through computers and games. At the virtual reality station, kids become healthy white blood cells and follow along as the cell travels the body. At the next stop, they are in control of a skeleton riding a bicycle while muscles flex . . . fast, slow, watch him go! At the "Cancer Defender" area, a computer game will match kids in a tough fight with cancer cells. They will use their computer skills and strategy to gain energy in the battle against cancer. The "Wentzscope" microscope focuses on various body cells infected with diverse diseases. Children and adults will be amazed at what happens inside our bodies when we’re not looking!

Explore the History, Mystery and Magic of Magnets
presented by ERIEZ Magnetics
The new "Explore the History, Mystery and Magic of Magnets" exhibit has six interactive stations allowing children to see how magnets work, and explore various uses for them. The children can learn the basic properties of magnetism to find out what magnets attract, and what they repel. Other stations will show how magnets are used in everyday life. How do magnets help move things and how do they help us find our way?

Eriez Magnetics has produced magnetic equipment for the industry since 1942, and providing educational resources to area schools since 1992. This new educational exhibit is dedicated in memory of Bob and Betty Merwin, co-founders of Eriez Magnetics.

All Time Favorite Exhibits:
    Bubble Machine
    Water Table
    Kid’s Corner Store
    Bedrock Cave
    Recycle Michael

Look for these upcoming exhibit openings in 2009!
       Achievement Center – hands on touch and feel exhibit