Science in Toyland

Exhibit Goals

To demonstrate how toys and games can be used to illustrate scientific processes and principles.

Apart from toys and games expressly labeled "educational," which are not amongst the most popular playthings, there is little public awareness of the mathematics and science educational value of simple common playthings. Yet these can effectively help explain a variety of scientific principles related to physical phenomena.

This exhibition helps visitors see the toys and games with which they are familiar in this new light and provide a stimulating environment in which they can explore and experiment with this novel dimension.

Throughout the exhibit, participartory displays require visitors to use their senses, make observations, and engage in discovery learning of science principles.

To raise awareness and deepen understanding in the general public of the important role of toys and games in children's development and their contribution to science learning.

The toys and games that occupy countless hours of the childhood years and beyond are more than a mere pastime. They are props that help children learning about, and make sense of, the surrounding world of objects, people, and ideas.

The exhibit shows how toys can help lay the foundation for the development of skills necessary to engage in the scientific enterprise. More importantly, the pleasurable character of the experiences associated with toys and games can help nurture a desire for learning, make children excited about science, and motivate them to make science learning a life-long interest and activity.

To encourage and motivate parents to take an active role in the science education of their children and make science learning an integral part of play activites at home.

The exhibit's premise is that children who have fun learning science are more likely to "do" science for fun. Parents (and teachers) need only build on children's natural tendency to explore, manipulate, and inquire in order to create pleasurable experiences that will generate excitement about science and instill in children attitudes and "habits of mind" which predispose them towards learning science.

Exposure during the critical formative years in a child's life to positive role models and encouragement from parents are important in generating enthusiasm for learning and fostering a "can do" attitude in the child.

Visitors take back with them not just impressions, but practical information and helpful tools for using common playthings and objects imaginatively to teach science by "doing."

To address the needs of an ethnically diverse visitor population.

There is now an increasing appreciation of the educational value of toys. This is evident in the growing number of toy/educational consultants and the proliferation of toy stores specializing in "educational toys." However, this awareness has been limited to the more educated and affluent segment of society. This exhibit helps disseminate information to a broader segment of society, especially to those for whom such information would otherwise be inaccessible.

--- California Museum of Science and Industry

Science in Toyland Home Page

BISHOP MUSEUM
The State Museum of Natural and Cultural History
For Museum Information, call (808) 847-3511