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> We did a small in-house exhibition on bridges and structures a year ago.

> The k'nex were fun and held up fine.  We put out some laminated sheets 
> of simple bridge models visitors could build, but not that many 
> visitors actually finished one. Our regular members who come often 
> were most likely to stay and really get into the building.  You 
> certainly want to look around to find the k'nex kits for making 
> bridges- they weren't necessarily easy to find.  There's a kit for 
> making 5' models of famous types of bridges, (over 2,000 pieces) and 
> smaller kits.  And you can buy extras of any parts-- especially the 
> flexible rods for making suspension bridges.  

The most successful component was the Kapla planks.  All ages enjoyed 
them a lot.  Kapla planks are made in France and fairly expensive.  They 
now make hardwood planks in the US, and call them Keva planks;  you can 
buy them in large quantities.  We had some in recessed bins on tables, 
and two area rugs with large plastic tubs full of planks.  You can build 
small structures easily, or keep on going up and up.  I"ve seen kids up 
a parent's shoulder, making their tower even taller!  If you want to be 
inspired, visit the website to see the 50' tall tower make of the planks:

http://www.kevaplanks.com/

The other really popular component was a wooden model of a suspension 
bridge built by a volunteer that was maybe 7' long overall.  It has big 
plastic chain for the catenary cable, and smaller metal chain hangs from 
the catenary to suspend the "deck" sections.  The deck sections (wood 
pieces maybe 3" x 4") are connected to each other with bungee cord 
through them.  Visitors can secure the metal chains to the deck sections 
(choosing different lengths of chain), then  press down and see 
everything move around.

Happy to send photos to anyone who is really interested (already did so 
for Erich who posted the original query)

Kathy Krafft
Exhibit Projects Director
Sciencenter
Ithaca, NY
607-272-0600 x25

>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject:
> Experience with K-Nex
> From:
> Erich Rose <[log in to unmask]>
> Date:
> Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:42:39 -0500
>
>
>ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
>*****************************************************************************
>
>For years science and children's museums have been using K-Nex.  I am
>interested in any great anecdotal stories of successes, the Dos and
>Don'ts, and so on.  We are developing a new exhibit area with an
>engineering, science, technology theme and are looking for materials to
>use in both fascilitated and unfascilitated activities. I don't want to
>re-invent the wheel (although I would like the kids to do so!)
>
>
>  
>

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