Monkey exhibit to help visitors’ math and science prowess evolve
Children’s favorite monkey is set to make his way to the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum this month with the “Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!” exhibit slated to be on display through May 13.
The exhibition, designed to incorporate science and math elements for children, first opened at the Minnesota Children’s Museum in 2007. It has since made stops in children’s museums throughout the country, including those in Chicago, Pittsburgh and Orlando, Fla.
Tifferney White, deputy director, said the science components of “Let’s Get Curious!” make the exhibition an ideal fit for the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum.
“The exhibit really brings science alive for children,” White said. “It’s based on Curious George, his exploration and has a heavy focus on science, math and engineering.”
White said the exhibition includes a construction site where children can place building materials on a conveyor belt and explore a construction trailer. A city park with an urban green space, miniature golf, exploration stations and a rocket ship also are on display.
White said one of the exhibit’s most notable aspects is a constructed farm in which children can explore the concepts behind wind power. The farm also provides an opportunity for families to learn together, she said.
“The farm is like a family vacation in the country,” White said. “It provides that platform for (children and parents) to spend time together. The underlying educational part of this (exhibit) is for parents to learn with their children.”
Though the exhibit is designed for children ages 3 to 8 , White said Curious George provides an opportunity for siblings of various ages to explore the educational components.
“Because it’s based on the popular PBS series, older siblings who have known (about) Curious George for a long time can play with younger siblings,” White said. “The concepts come straight from (the TV show), and they’re pulled out for the younger audience.”
Kylee Breems, public relations manager for the Minnesota Children’s Museum, said the exhibit has received positive feedback from visitors at its host site and on tour. The exhibit is set to return to its host museum in May.
“Curious George was a very popular exhibit while it was here,” Breems said. “It has also had tremendous success on the road. Exploring those math and science skills in an environment that’s hands-on has, I think, contributed to its success.”
As the final touring exhibition before the museum’s expected move to Symphony Park in November, White said she hopes “Let’s Get Curious!” resonates with visitors of all generations.
“We want to introduce younger kids to the science aspects,” White said. “At the same time, parents can relate because they can share these activities with their children, and that’s what I see as a big plus.”
The Lied Discovery Children’s Museum, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. North, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8.50 for children and $9.50 for adults.
For more information on the museum and “Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!,” call 382-5437 or visit ldcm.org.
Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.
ALSO ON DISPLAY“SPACE: A Journey to our Future” is scheduled to be on display through May 13 at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. The touring exhibit features lunar samples, a moon scale and various interactive, educational features on the universe. The exhibit was produced by Evergreen Exhibitions in collaboration with NASA. For more information, visit springspreserve.org or call 822-7700.
