'Pattern' exhibit shapes fun, learning
After being in business for 25 years and being ranked one of the 10 best children's museums in the country, the Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago must be doing something right.
The museum, which was ranked sixth out of 300 institutions by Parents Magazine, is known for its clever educational displays and its new “Pattern Wizardry” exhibit is one that entertains and teaches.
The exhibit subtly demonstrates mathematical concepts by drawing kids' attention to man-made and natural patterns. A visit to “Pattern Wizardry” begins at an entryway that looks like a honeycomb where kids can stack hexagonal blocks.
“Children can explore how incredible it is that bees can build these perfect shapes while we need rulers and stencils,” said Sheridan Turner, museum president. “This is where parental involvement and discussion can be really good, too.”
The space is packed with hands-on stations for kids to explore. A light table lets them use colored pieces to replicate model patterns or make their own. They can do the same thing with blocks and triangular pieces of fabric that can be put together to make quilt patches.
Kids can also weave strips of fabric through a version of a loom to get a look at linear patterns. Stamps are used to make shapes on a white board, allowing kids to see how images can be lined up to create a repeating pattern. Kids can move blocks around to match colors and play different sounds on a giant xylophone.
In a section about spirals, kids can navigate a ball around a spiral track and wind rope to see how weavers create spiral mats. Another display features elaborate block prints used to dye fabrics.
“It shows a real application of the patterns to create something,” Turner said.
The traveling exhibit, which will be on display through May 9, was designed by the Brooklyn Children's Museum, the country's oldest children's museum, dating back to 1899. Many of the interactive components are paired with displays that show how different types of patterns are used in artwork around the world from a bead apron worn by women in Cameroon to woven works from Mexico and Guatemala.
“(Brooklyn Children's Museum is) renowned for blending cultural awareness and cultural objects into their exhibits,” Turner said.
The exhibit also explores patterns in nature. A display shows spiral shells from around the world, including a prehistoric fossil. A butterfly-shaped table features butterflies under glass.
Kids learn about mirror symmetry by using blocks shaped like the central body or wing pieces to create their own insects. Kids can stack magnetized branches on a tree trunk and the tree only stays together if the branches have the right symmetry.
They can also examine slides of snowflakes and coral under a viewer, touch a branching reindeer antler and look through baskets filled with pressed leaves.
One of the most impressive components is a giant kaleidoscope visitors can step into and look up and see versions of their reflection. Visitors can also explore different types of symmetry through a pair of computers, where they place colorful dots and watch their work immediately reflected in quiltlike patterns or kaleidoscopic images.
Parents looking to extend the educational experience can peruse the exhibit's selection of books on patterns and take some time to read to their kids. The museum also offers regular activities that connect to the exhibit. “Pattern Extravaganza,” where kids can visit the art studio and learn to use household objects to create colorful patterns will be offered Monday, April 4, through Sunday, April 17.
“We hope that they'll take some of these ideas and re-create them at home,” Turner said.
“Pattern Wizardry”
<b>Kohl Children's Museum: </b>2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, (847) 832-6600 or visit kohlchildrensmuseum.org
<b>Hours:</b> 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday through May 9
<b>Prices:</b>$8.50; $7.50 for seniors