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If we as a community and ACM and its members are in a conversation about
re-imagining the children's museum model and there were ways to re-invent
the water play area, what else could it be and do? Could it connect to the
real world better? could there be a use of technology that was not a
"screen" but embedded to give another level of interactivity? Even
with maintenance challenges with these types of exhibits, I believe there
are better and more effective ways of developing these activities. I will
be at ACM and open to a discussion about this.


On Wed, Apr 24, 2013 at 11:09 AM, Beryl Rosenthal <
[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
>
> *****************************************************************************
>
> Erich,
> Well put!  From a maintenance standpoint, they are a budget buster.  I
> believe somewhere in this listserve's archives there is a string about
> keeping them clean, use of chlorine, lime buildup, clogged tubing, thrown
> coins (by those who see water and think fountains or wishing wells), hard
> water, etc.
>
> From an educational standpoint, they can be very useful, particularly for
> older kids with a particular focus (often with a facilitator).  Younger
> kids?  Well, play equals learning, but not always.  If a parent is involved
> in the interaction, yes.  The biggest complaint I heard from parents had to
> do with wet clothing, fear of sharing rubber smocks (!) and one parent who
> complained that he didn't need to pay an entrance fee to have his kid do
> what could be done in a bathtub at home.
>
> Breathe, find the balance between the good, the bad and the ugly
> Beryl
> On Apr 24, 2013, at 8:42 AM, Erich Rose wrote:
>
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
>
> *****************************************************************************
>
> Amy,
>
> Patricia brought up many of the important challenges associated with water
> play. We could all write a long list of pros and cons.  What I tell clients
> (and other designers!) is that it is worth doing ONLY if the museum is
> willing to do a full "buy-in".  By that I mean that the museum understands
> that the exhibit is going to be always maintenance heavy and require added
> staff hours. And when it is down (not working) it means the whole thing is
> down. It will be a permanent budget line.  Museums who struggle with these
> issues should stay clear of anything but the most simple water play or not
> do it at all.
>
> I also suggest it be done outdoors if climate allows.  If you do it
> indoors it has to be very well thought out. The added humidity and the way
> water always manages to travel can (will!) wreak havoc if not planned for.
> It is not as simple as a water supply and a floor drain.
>
> Live animals and make-and-take areas have similar issues.  Can you staff
> it ($$$), supply it ($$), and maintain it ($) for the life of the exhibit
> (5-10 years)?
>
> Erich
>
> Erich Rose Design
> 807 The Living End
> Austin, TX 78746
> 512-626-9930; [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
>
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/erichrose/
>
>
>
>
> On Apr 23, 2013, at 9:26 PM, Amy Johnston Bray wrote:
>
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
>
> *****************************************************************************
>
> Hi,
>
> At Science Alive we are busy designing our new science centre. We know
> water
> play areas for preschoolers are a massive hit with the public but have
> logistical challenges. I've spoken to a few designers recently who have
> said
> given their chance again they would not have a water play area. What say
> you? Would you do it again? What have you learnt?
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Amy
>
>
>
>
>
> Amy Johnston Bray
>
> Programme Production
>
> Science Alive
>
>
>
> +643 365 5199
>
> [log in to unmask]
>
> www.sciencealive.co.nz
>
>
>
>
>
>
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>
> Beryl Rosenthal, PhD
> Executive Director,
> Metropolitan Waterworks Museum
> [log in to unmask]<mailto:
> [log in to unmask]>
> 2450 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02467
> 617.277.0065
>
> Please visit our website:
> www.waterworksmuseum.org
>
> Follow us on Facebook: (www.facebook.com/waterworksmuseum)
>
> Tweet on Twitter:
> (http://bit.ly/fwZOVG)!
>
>
>
>
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> For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and
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