A child’s curiosity of how things work inspired a new exhibit that opened October 17 in the Washington Pavilion’s Kirby Science Discovery Center titled Let’s Build.
The permanent space encourages guests ages 2-8 to explore with hands-on learning, and was made possible by the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire and the Home Builders Care Foundation. This partnership between the organizations and the Washington Pavilion exemplifies a commitment to introducing families to the building industry early on.
“At this age, play is how children begin to understand what they’re capable of,” said director of education and museums at the Washington Pavilion Maddy Grogan. “They can test an idea, ask for help, and discover a solution together.”
Let’s Build gives the attraction’s youngest visitors a new space to build confidence and see ideas take shape.
“I love the excitement that comes with bringing something new into our spaces.”
MADDY GROGAN
Located on the fourth floor in the former Discovery Den, the exhibit invites guests into a community that needs their help. Through interactive building challenges, children explore simple machines, move objects and large loads, and work together to find solutions. Taking turns, sharing ideas, and trying a different approach are all part of the experience.
“Let’s Build is designed primarily for children and families, but guests of all ages will find opportunities to explore, create, and solve problems together,” said Grogan. “The exhibit encourages collaborative play, making it especially appealing for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to participate alongside children.”
The experience also helps families discover the people and skills behind the homes and communities around them. Career content highlights opportunities in electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, interior design, carpentry, construction, and landscaping, connecting children’s interests with the many ways people make a living in the building industry.
Grogan’s favorite part of Let’s Build is the conveyor belt.
“I love [the conveyor belt] and the use of simple machines throughout the exhibit,” she said. “It’s such a fun experience for kids. They get completely enthalled with moving materials and building together, and I think it’s going to be one of those features that’s hard to pull them away from.”
Visitors will have opportunities to design solutions to challenges, use simple machines to move large materials, and work together to plan, repair, build, and renovate homes.
When asked what takeaway Grogan wants attendees to have from the exhibit, she replied, “First and foremost: fun.”
SPEND A DAY
All wrapped up at the Kirby Science Discovery Center? Walk through the Visual Arts Center galleries or catch an immersive show in the Sweetman Planetarium.
“We want families to have such a great experience that they come back again and again,” she continued. “Beyond that, we hope visitors gain exposure to the many jobs, skills, and tasks involved in building and maintaining a home.”
The Washington Pavilion team says they work hard to keep exhibits fresh and relevant, but opportunities to completely renew spaces within the Kirby Science Discovery Center don’t come every year.
“We’re fortunate to have supportive partners like Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire who see the value in investing in educational experiences,” said Grogan.
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