This kids museum's new STEAM exhibit focuses on open play

Raleigh, NC -- Marbles Kids Museum has long been known as a place of innovation in interactive learning. So it comes as no surprise that its newest exhibit, ImagiFab, centers on expanding children's skillset in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). Along with support from North Carolina-based children's furniture company Nugget, it has sought to create an area that focuses on the concept of "open play."

"Open-ended play is the ability for kids to continue to play, play, and play -- there's no right answer, whatever your imagination wants you to do, you can create," said Nugget's Chief Creative Officer Hannah Elly. "I think what's really unique about the ImagiFab space is that we are really encouraging children to bring their creativity ... and there are very little instructions for it."

This is by design, as the new space was created with the intent for kids to innovate mostly on their own, revolving around four special areas: Create, Make, Build, and Animate. From a self-cleaning paint wall to a digital canvas where kids can upload their artwork to a 3D map of Raleigh, the exhibit encourages children to grow their creative expression in what they call a collaborative environment. And unlike most play areas, the museum has introduced woodworking stations.

"We have spaces where kids can actually pick up a piece of wood and a saw and saw through it," explained Marbles Director of Exhibits Chris Alexander. "It's a little bit risky play, but it's something that Marbles feels builds confidence and lets kids learn what their boundaries are." It's a notion that has been lauded by experts in early childhood development, who contend that such practices are immensely important for the development of risk-management skills.

The exhibit has been in the works for four years, when in October 2017, Marbles received a federal grant to create a diverse space that facilitates hands-on learning in STEAM. For Marbles Vice President of Learning Hardin Engelhardt, a central aspect of this initiative has been to ensure that kids see themselves represented.

"When people ask me what success looks like for Marbles, one of my answers is I want kids to feel like Marbles belongs to them ... that (this) is a place that is welcoming and is a place where our community comes together and builds bridges through play," Engelhardt said. "And so, engaging the community (when) creating this exhibit helped ensure that it feels like a space that belongs to them, where all children and families feel welcome, included, and represented."