Attended a lunch meeting at the MIT Media Lab last week in which Sherry Turkle talked about the new book she's edited: "Falling for Science: Objects in Mind." One of the basic premises of the book is that kids' love for science often grows out of a special relationship with a particular object such as sandcastles, crystal radios, mud, and even My Little Pony (whose braided tail played a special role in the formation of mathematical thought for one student.)
One of the key steps in the process is to guide children toward objects they love -- and she places a good deal of attention on the role of affect and love (thus the title "Falling for Science"...)
This reminds me of the close connection to pioneering exhibit developer Bernie Zubrowski's early work at Boston's Children's Museum focusing on everyday materials such as soap bubbles in exhibits. Bernie emphasizes materials that kids can easily get their hands on at home.
Where is this all leading us in museums? It's a reminder that one of the best things we can do is point visitors toward extended exploration with materials at home, using technology to provide the right message at the right time to facilitate this...
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