| Whitaker Center
presents the limited-engagement exhibit, K’NEX: Building
Thrill Rides in Gloria M. Olewine Gallery at Harsco Science
Center.
Joining forces with Whitaker Center, K’NEX Industries, one of the world’s leading integrated construction toy companies, will have on display nine models made solely from K’NEX rods and connectors. The models will range from a roller coaster measuring over 10-feet-long, a 6-foot Ferris wheel, a variety of swing rides from 3-10 feet and the new Vertical Vengeance, a roller coaster made from new K’NEX micro parts that stands over 5 feet in height.
“We are delighted to form this wonderful and educational partnership with K’NEX,” said Kris Olewine Milke, Whitaker Center interim president and CEO. What better way to engage kids to learn about math and science than through creative and innovative play.”
The relationship with Whitaker Center evolved from K’NEX’s past and successful traveling exhibit program that offered a fun, interactive exhibit that created a hands-on K’NEX environment for kids and their parents.
“The feedback that we previously received from parents, the kids and the museums was tremendous,” said Bob Jesberg, K’NEX Education Expert. We wanted to develop a similar program again and when Whitaker Center approached us with the idea of amusement park rides—one of our key areas of expertise—and the science powering them, we knew we’d found an ideal education partner.” K’NEX plans to make the program available to other museums in 2007.
Happily, children won’t have to leave their on-site creations behind – instead, they can purchase their designs, with pricing based on a Weigh & Pay model (weight of total parts used at a predetermined price). Wonders Store will also have K’NEX sets on sale for aspiring young engineers and architects.
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The
realistic actions of the models will bring scientific and engineering
concepts to life for students who will be able to conduct simple
experiments to explore physical forces such as potential and kinetic
energy, and linear and rotational motion.
“K’NEX
provides children with a marvelous construction toy that allows
them to think out of the box, use their imagination, and learn
about the physical sciences while also challenging them to go
beyond the basics to more advanced learning,” said Steve
Bishop, vice president of Harsco Science Center.