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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.
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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.
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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
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