Museum provides fun for all ages

That old saying "seeing is believing" may be true, but at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, maybe the proper motto should be "doing is believing."

At the Hands-On Museum, one won't find signs that say, "please do not touch the display," as visitors are encouraged to use their hands to engage in the different activities available.

Mark Maynard, former assistant to the director of the Hands-On Museum, said the variety of themes presented here aims to tempt visitors to use their imaginative side by touching, feeling and exploring with their hands.

"We have 250 hands-on exhibits," Maynard said. "We have four floors that include a light and optics gallery, a computer lab, a section called 'the world around you,' which has to do with perception and geometry, and a nature room."

The goal of the Hands-On Museum is obvious from the colorful and intricate displays that fill up the four floors of a renovated Ann Arbor firehouse, complete with its original fire poles and steel staircases. From giant soap bubble makers, to pacema

FILE PHOTO Located in the old Ann Arbor firehouse, the hands-on museum provides an opportunity for visitors to experience and be a part of the the exhibits they are viewing. Visitors range from toddlers to senior citizens as age restrictions are irrelevant.

kers, to image polarizers, the diverse science and technology displays offered captivate many visitors.

The Hands-On Museum was the brainchild of Cynthia Yao, who is the executive director.

"At the time I had four kids," Yao said. "I was trying to find a place to take them to have fun. There was very little to do for young kids in Ann Arbor then. After visiting the children's museum in Boston, I suggested the idea (of the Hands-On Museum), not expecting this much success."

In 1982, after four years of trying to raise money for exhibits and services, most of which were donated and volunteered, the Hands-On Museum opened.

For Yao and other organizers of the museum, success has since been abundant.

Maynard said part of the museum's popularity comes from its capability to inspire young minds.

"We want kids to acquire an excitement about science, and even history," Maynard added. "There's a lot of stuff like testing your own reflexes and understanding your body, like your flexibility and your bones and muscles."

Although the exhibits are made to appeal to youngsters, visitors to the Hands-On Museum range from toddlers to senior citizens.

"We get all types of people," Maynard said. "We have a preschool room for toddlers, and then we get high school groups, and then we get seniors groups. Most of the exhibits are probably geared for fourth and fifth graders; that's the optimum age, where they can probably get the most from it."

Marla Gartner, a teacher at Ealy Elementary School in West Bloomfield, Mich., said the Hands-On Museum provides an opportunity for students to get away from the classroom experience and instead use their creativity directly.

"The children get to see, touch and feel," Gartner said. "It's not like in the classroom where the child just sits and reads to learn. The museum allows the kids to connect with the real world."

"Every kid remembers something different," Maynard said. "But basically we just want to get them excited about learning."

Eight-year-old Jeff Jodway was among many students attending the Hands-On Museum on a field trip.

"I like the electric machine," Jodway said, referring to a hand-generator exhibit. "I know how to make electricity with my hands."

Jodway's classmate Erin Kaplan was especially intrigued by an exhibit that linked magnets and the properties of color.

"I saw the colors move around with the block," Kaplan said. "I like the rainbow machine (because) I used a magnet."

The large number of visitors a day is facilitated by many group-leader volunteers.

"We divide the children into groups and then each group is paired up with an introduction guide," said former Volunteer Coordinator Theresa Maddix. "The guides help to keep some order, and they also answer questions and engage people in the different exhibits."

Touching and experimenting with the different displays aren't the only things to do at the museum. Organizers make sure there are plenty of other activities at hand for children to work with.

"We do summer camps and weekend camp-ins, where kids stay overnight," Maynard said. "We do scout programs for girl scouts and boy scouts. There are also weekend demonstrations for kids. Some mornings we have classes for parents and toddlers."

Jay Liao, an Ann Arbor resident and father of two sons, prefers to bring his kids to the Hands-On Museum, instead of offering less educational alternatives like television.

"They get to experiment and use their hands. Jordie learns computer skills, and he also gets to communicate with other children," Liao said.

Liao said the Hands-On Museum helps his son anticipate the school atmosphere.

"I want Jordie to leave with an appreciation and a love for knowledge," Liao said. "I want him to be eager to learn. (The Hands-On Museum) puts him in the right environment and helps to prepare him for school."

Jordie Liao seemed to have no trouble using a computer, despite his young age.

"I like Busy Town," Jordie Liao said, referring to a computer activity occupying his attention. "I press buttons."

The Hands-On Museum isn't just popular with locals, however. At least one national group has favored the museum's programs.

"We've received four National Science Foundation grants over the years, which has helped us in funding," Yao said. Yao said the Hands-On Museum has welcomed over 1.5 million people.

"Since the opening, we've slowly but surely become successful," Yao said.

09-08-98