This funding generously provided us with a Rigamajig Basic Builder Kit, which we integrated into our existing exhibits to foster collaborative, creative, and open-ended play among children and adults. The Rigamajig kit is designed to inspire curiosity and teamwork, making it an ideal addition to our museum's interactive offerings. We plan to use this kit not only in our daily exhibits but also as part of our field trips, STEAM Team Saturday workshops, and our Mobile Museum library of exhibits.
Objectives: The primary objectives for incorporating the Rigamajig kit into our exhibit collection at Akron Children's Museum were as follows:
- Increase family interactions at the museum.
- Raise awareness about the benefits of open-ended and loose parts play.
- Enhance our STEAM Team offerings.
- Expand our Mobile Museum library of exhibits.
Outcomes and Achievements: While it is still early to provide comprehensive data on the impact, we have observed several promising outcomes:
- Family Interactions: The Rigamajig kit has begun to attract interest from families visiting the museum. With staff encouragement, we have seen families engaging with the kit, building together, and enjoying the creative process.
- Awareness of Open-Ended Play: Through this exhibit, we are introducing visitors to the concept of open-ended play, which encourages creativity and problem-solving. Our play facilitators have used this opportunity to educate both children and adults about the benefits of loose parts play, a concept that may be new to many of our visitors.
- Improved STEAM Offerings: The Rigamajig kit is scheduled to be featured in an upcoming STEAM Team Saturday workshops in September, 2024, where it will be a focal point for hands-on learning and creative exploration.
Challenges:
- Exhibit Placement: Finding the appropriate location within the museum for the Rigamajig kit was a challenge, as it requires space for both play and for keeping track of the pieces. We continue to experiment with different placements to maximize accessibility and engagement.
- Defective Equipment: Unfortunately, we received a defective piece of the wagon, preventing us from using the kit in our Mobile Museum as planned. We are currently working with the manufacturer to replace or repair this component.
- Staff Facilitation: Initially, visitors were hesitant to engage with the Rigamajig kit without encouragement. This challenge provided an opportunity to train our play facilitators on the principles of loose parts play, enhancing their ability to guide visitors in exploring this new exhibit.
Extended Impact: One of our colleagues, who works closely with us to bring museum exhibits to Head Start Centers, was particularly impressed with the Rigamajig’s potential for loose parts play. Inspired by the opportunities it offers, we are now exploring ways to fund a second set of the Rigamajig kit to loan to these centers, along with an adjacent curriculum that teachers can use. This potential partnership could extend the impact of this funding beyond our museum walls and into the broader community.
Future Plans: Looking ahead, we plan to fully integrate the Rigamajig kit into our regular programming and to continue using it in workshops, field trips, and mobile exhibits. We will monitor its usage and gather data to better understand its impact on family interactions and educational outcomes. Additionally, we will explore opportunities to expand this initiative, potentially securing additional funding to support the broader dissemination of this resource.
Action plan:
Timeline: We plan to start this project immediately. Our team of museum educators will meet once to plan for implementation of Rigamajig into our STEM offerings, specifically for field trips. We will then meet again to set up the building kit and provide professional development to the rest of the museum staff.
Budget: We are planning to spend the funding on the Rigamajig Building Kit. We anticipate having to purchase additional components to allow more children and families to interact with the Rigamajig. We also anticipate needing to replace components due to wear and tear.
Impact: Adding the Rigamajig Basic Builder Kit to our exhibit lineup is a strategic move towards boosting family and community engagement within our museum. This interactive exhibit is not just for kids; it's designed to draw in parents, caregivers, and family members into the heart of playful learning. It offers a unique opportunity for adults to collaborate with children, guiding them through challenges and celebrating their creative solutions. This active participation not only enriches the children's experience but also strengthens family bonds and enhances learning outcomes. By encouraging adults to dive into play alongside the kids, we're fostering an environment where shared discoveries lead to memorable learning moments for the whole family. The open-ended nature of the Rigamajig fosters an environment where children of all ages can work together, share ideas, and see their collective imagination come to life in the physical space.
Goals: A key part of our strategy to gauge the impact of our new Rigamajig Basic Builder Kit is by setting clear, measurable goals, starting with tracking registration for our STEAM workshops. By incorporating the Rigamajig into our inventors workshops, we're not only aiming to boost participation but also to keep a close eye on how it encourages family involvement. This hands-on observation will give us invaluable insights into the dynamics of family engagement. Furthermore, we're committed to gathering comprehensive feedback by surveying all our field trip participants, particularly the teachers. Their insights on the Rigamajig's integration into our programs will be essential in understanding its effectiveness and how it enhances the learning experience. Through these approaches, we're dedicated to continuously refining our offerings and ensuring they provide maximum educational value to our community.
Location: We are a children’s museum with ample room to accommodate this exhibit. We plan to utilize it in our active room.
