7G.. AA:-L.:.. -- r*t-:1.. %Af-,.l.......A-. C"..,..a... w.i...... ':J Ann"7 1 *4 C ANN A BORhe Michigan Daiy - Wenesday, Septemer 3.1997 -1 AN ARBOR " Hans-n useu-m off0ers5 fun, education to all age UE By Christine M. Paik Diily Staff Reporter The old saying "seeing is believing" may be true, but at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, maybe the proper motto should be "doing is believing." At the Hands-On Museum, one won't 16d signs that say, "please do not touch the display." Visitors are instead encour- aged to use their hands to engage in the different activities available. Mark Maynard, assistant to the director of the Hands-On Museum, said the vari- ety of themes presented aim to tempt vis- itors to use their imagination by touching and exploring with their hands. "We have 250 hands-on exhibits," Maynard said. "We have four floors that Jude a light and optics gallery, a com- "ter lab, a section called 'the world around you,' which has to do with percep- tion and geometry, and a nature room.' The goal of the Hands-On Museum is obvious from the colorful and intricate displays that fill up the four floors of a renovated Ann Arbor firehouse, complete with its original fire poles and steel stair- cases. From giant soap-bubble makers, to pacemakers, to image polarizers, the Berse science and technology displays offered captivate many visitors. The Hands-On Museum was the brainchild of Cynthia Yao, who is now its executive director. "At the time I had four kids," Yao said. "I was trying to find a place to take them to have fun. There was very httle to do for young kids in Ann Arbor then. After visiting the children's muse- um in Boston, I suggested the idea (of e Hands-On Museum), not expecting s much success." In 1982, after four years of trying to raise money for exhibits and services, most of which were donated and volun- feered, the Hands-On Museum opened. For Yao and other organizers, success has since been abundant. Maynard said the museum's popularity comes from its capability to inspire young minds. "We want kids to acquire an excite- nt about science, and even history," Waynard added. "There's a lot of ,tuff like testing your own reflexes and understanding your body, like your flexibility and your bones and muscles." Although the exhibits are made to appeal to youngsters, visitors to the Hands-On Museum range from tod- dlers to senior citizens. "We get all types of people" Maynard said. "We have a preschool room for toddlers, and then we get high school groups, and then we get seniors groups. Most of the exhibits are proba- bly geared for fourth and fifth graders; that's the optimum age, where they can probably get the most from it." Marla Gartner, a teacher at Ealy Elementary School in West Bloomfield, Mich., said the Hands-On Museum pro- vides an opportunity for students to get away from the classroom experience and instead use their creativity directly. "The children get to see, touch and feel;" Gartner said. "It's not like in the classroom where the child just sits and reads to learn. The museum allows the kids to connect with the real world." "Every kid remembers something different;' Maynard said. "But basically we just want to get them excited about learning." Seven-year-old Jeff Jodway was among many students attending the Hands-On Museum on a field trip. "I like the electric machine;' Jodway said, referring to a hand-generator exhibit. "I know how to make electrici- ty with my hands." Jodway's classmate Erin Kaplan, also age seven, was especially intrigued by an exhibit that linked magnets and the properties of color. "I saw the colors move around with the block," Kaplan said. "I like the rainbow machine (because) I used a magnet." Many volunteer group leaders help guide visitors during their time at the museum. "We divide the children: into groups and then each group is paired up with an introduction guide;" said Volunteer Coordinator Theresa Maddix. "The guides help to keep some order, and they also answer questions and engage people in the different exhibits." Touching and experimenting with the different displays aren't the only things to do at the museum. Organizers make sure there are plenty of other activities at hand for children to work with. "We do summer camps and weekend camp-ins, where kids stay overnight," The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, located at 219 E. Huron St., features hands-on, interactive scientific exhibits. The museum occupies a renovated firehouse, and draws visitors from all over the region. Many visitors are children, but the museum has many attractions to lure University students and adults. The museum opened in 1982, following fundraising efforts by Cynthia Yao, the museum's executive director. __ Maynard said. "We do scout programs for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. There are also weekend demonstrations for kids. Some mornings we have classes for parents and toddlers." Jay Liao, an Ann Arbor resident and father of two sons, said prefers to bring his kids to the Hands-On Museum, instead of resorting to less educational alternatives like television. "They get to experiment and use their hands. Jordie learns computer skills, and he also gets to communicate with other children," Liao said. Liao said the Hands-On Museum helps his son anticipate the school atmosphere. "I want Jordie to leave with an appre- ciation and a love for knowledge," Liao said. "I want him to be eager to learn. (The Hands-On Museum) puts him in the right environment and help to pre- pare him for school." Two-year-old Jordie Liao seemed to have no trouble using a computer, despite his young age. "I like Busy Town," Jordie Liao said, referring to a computer activity occupy- ing his attention. "I press buttons." The Hands-On Museum isn't just popular with locals, however. At least one national group has favored the museum's programs. "We've received four National Science Foundation grants over the years, which has helped us in funding,"Yao said. Yao said the Hands-On Museum has welcomed more than 1.5 million'people. "Since the opening, we've slowly but surely become successful," Yao said. "Last year alone, we had over 145,000 visitors." The Hands-On Museum has experi- enced so much success that it is plan- ning to add more space to its facility. "We're getting ready to expand' Yao said. "We're going to remodel and triple our size" .. : k:: ::>:: Huron Hills Baptist Church 3150 Glazier Wa 0A nn . h. Dr. Don Gerig, Lead Pastor Rev. Peter Kolb, Adult and University Ministries Rev. Brian Vander Ark, Christian Ed and Youth September to May Worship and Education Classes 9:30 and 11:00 am June to August Worship 9:30 am Education classes 11 am aY Ann Arbor Between Huron Parkway and Green Road Phone: 769-6299 Co t f Don't Check Your Mind Sunday Worship & Supper, 5:00 pm Service Trips (Nicaragua, 1998) Retreats ggU R Y y At the Door Discussion Groups With Faculty Spiritual Direction Musical Event LWesfeT oundation a Campus Ministry for All Student SLEEP LATE. GO TO CHURCH. 4- Faith requires deep questions, not easy answers Join us at Canterbury House, the Episcopal Center at the University of Michigan, 721 East Huron Street, one block east of State Street. For more information, call us at 665-0606; or send email to the Rev. Matthew Lawrence: revml@umich.edu. On the web: http://www.personal.umich.edu/-lansdale/canterbury/home.html. SH ARVEST MISSION C COMMUNITY CHURCH ' ransforming lost people into Christ's disciples, who will then transform the world. We offer:1 + 5 O'Clock Sunday Celebration services and Wednesday 7:00 PM Holy Communion + Real Talk, a weekly late night dorm discussion group on a vari- ety of group-chosen topics, as well as a weekly Bible study . Friday Night 7:00 PM social events . a Spring Break Mission Work Trip and many other hands-on service opportunities + Retreats and other personal growth activities Call for more information or simply join us at: CVestey 3oundation, 602 E. Huron at State (north wing of First United Methodist Church) phone: 313/668-6881 web: http://www.umich.edu/-wesley/ e-mail: bobwesly@umich.edu BETHLEHEM UNITED Students will love our 12 noon contemporary service on Sunday mornings featuring upbeat music, drama, and a practical Bible message. PACKARD ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH 2580 Packard Road,.Ann Arbor. Michigan 48104-6883 College Bible study at 10:30am Call for transportation 971-0773 CHURCH OF CHRIST Located in downtown Ann Arbor 423 S. Fourth Ave. 313-665-6149 Meeting at United Methodist Church t CalvaryI Worship Services: 8:30 & 10:00 a.m. UNDAY WOII l0AM. ELLOGG A UD. DENTAL 8LvO. 1 * Multi-Ethnic Congregation 0 Contemporary Worship * Culturally Relevant Messages 0 Strong Small Group Ministry I Friday Seeker-Sensitive Services Sunday Church School: 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. service broadcast on 1600 AM Fellowship, adult education classes, women's groups, and youth activities are all offered. 1415 Miller Rd. Sunday Evenings 6:00 PM (Northwest Ann Arbor) Christ-Centered Praise & Worship Comfortable Casual Atmosphere Pastors: For upcoming events, check our Web page on http://www.umich.edu/-hmcc For info, call Patty Loe/Anna Rhee @ 665-5167 or email to hmccmembers@umich.edu Dr. Orval L. E. Willimann William Utke Dr. Geoffrey Stanton Director of Music: 9 Washtenaw Indpeifent Bibfe Chwrchl .a T . -n- Of..:-te Congregation ST. PAUL E. LUTHERAN CHURCH 420 W. LIBERTY AT THIRD " 665-9117 f f . I