Calling all fans of fun, interactive learning, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Northwest’s Kids Play redesign project will open this November with an area we’re calling STEM Spot that features open-ended STEM-based exhibits that allow visitors to experiment and build repeatedly.
Northwest Y’s Sr. Youth & Family Director, Abby Mechling, who is project managing the redesign of Kids Play, can’t decide which of the STEM exhibits is her favorite.
“The magnetic Maze exhibit is like a DIY game, bringing some arcade-style fun to learning about balance and design. But the Shaky table is chaotic and exciting, as you build towering structures and put them to the test to see when they’ll tumble to the ground. And then there’s the Metal Trees, where the sky’s the limit when it comes to building 3D shapes and patterns—so many dynamic activities to choose from!”
Maze Table Rendering
Shake Table Rendering
Magnetic Trees Rendering
For Sr. Executive Director Adrienne Barnett, the choice is much easier:
“The Ball Run wall is the most exciting exhibit for me. It has all the elements kids and grownups love, like throwing, building, and even making music with all the moveable parts! Such a fun way to explore STEM concepts like gravity and friction.”
Ball Run Rendering
If you are interested in sponsorship naming opportunities for the newly imagined Kids Play space, please reach out to Adrienne Barnett, Sr. Executive Director, at adrienne.barnett@austinymca.org
