WonderLab presents mind-bending puzzle exhibit for all ages

Even the most seasoned puzzle fiends should be cautious of the mind-bending experiences that await them at WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology. Twenty puzzles comprising the "Brain Teasers 2" exhibit are on display on the second floor of WonderLab, a touring exhibition that opened this week and is available through May 8. WonderLab is the only Indiana location on the current exhibition tour.\n"Brain Teasers 2" is the sequel to the original Brain Teasers exhibition, which was at WonderLab last spring. The new brain twisters include unraveling mathematical conundrums, arranging geometric shapes to form new shapes and separating linked objects and then reassembling them. To make things more interesting, the 3-D puzzles use pegs, ropes, horseshoes, wooden shapes and other materials. Visitors must look for patterns, consider different perspectives and use creative thinking to work out solutions. \n"The second floor of the museum looks totally different," said WonderLab Associate Executive Director Karen Jepson-Innes. "There are puzzles that encourage different types of thinking and looking at things in a new way. It's really all about sharpening problem-solving skills."\nJepson-Innes said she saw the "Brain Teasers 2" exhibit at a professional museum meeting but couldn't get to the station because it was surrounded by people.\n"I thought it had attraction power," Jepson-Innes said. "What I liked about it was it was simple and it made me think and energized me. I was really impressed with its simplicity and it had a big impact on me personally."\nWonderLab Executive Director Catherine Olmer said she is pleased with the hands-on learning the exhibit, which was designed at the Oregon's Museum of Science and Industry and is visiting other museums across the country, brings to visitors.\n"This is a significantly large exhibit that we're very pleased to have. There are various kiosks at each station and you can sit there and ponder, poke and prod the puzzles to figure them out," Olmer said. "I find it impressive that an adult has no idea how to proceed and talk to children and know exactly how to solve it. Somehow as adults we lose a little bit of that."\nOlmer said one of the biggest reasons to come visit WonderLab is the interaction and involvement in the exhibits to help visitors learn about science.\n"When I was child and went to museums, it was all just a bunch of things you saw, and everything was dead and there was no activity. I think one thing that is key to WonderLab's success that we've taken to heart is that it has interactively involved our visitors in basic ways to discover the science behind each exhibit," Olmer said. "If somebody tells you, you won't learn it; you have to do it. The hands-on aspect is the reason why science classes have a lab, and then you have the most satisfying experience. To me it's incredible to see children and see their brains turned on and their eyes light up. To me, that's perfect when you've achieved that goal."\nBesides hosting the traveling exhibit for puzzle enthusiasts called, WonderLab also appointed New Development Director Christine Klinger.\nKlinger said she's excited to be back in Bloomington.\n"This is the most wonderful town in the entire state," Klinger said. "I'm familiar with Big Ten schools, so I like Bloomington a lot. There is a lot of diversity and culture and a breath of fresh air. Everybody is really civic-minded; the board members are all active."\nKlinger will be responsible for overseeing various WonderLab programs, including fund raising, securing grants and finding more events to offer to the public.\n"My job now will be to oversee fund-raising activities, including soliciting individuals and putting together an plan-giving program. I also have a high priority to secure grants for local foundations," Klinger said. "Securing sponsorships with businesses and local companies will be a top priority for me. Another big plan will be to secure and search for major funding opportunities for us. We're trying to bring in more traveling exhibits for the museum and purchase permanent exhibits."\nOlmer said she is very pleased to have Klinger on the WonderLab staff and says Klinger will bring new ideas to the organization.\n"We are thrilled Christine joined our organization and we are looking forward to great things happening for her," Olmer said. "WonderLab receives no revenues from governmental agencies, federal or state funds. We really rely upon the support of individual and business in the community and Christine is going to be a key instrument to connect with these people and help us to show that WonderLab is a great place to invest in."\nAll adults who visit WonderLab should try to find their inner children, Olmer said.\n"One thing I really like and helps me and also helps other adults is to discover the child still inside us. We have to deal with work and real life and this child inside us tends to get lost," Olmer said. "It's good to remember the child is still there, wanting to have fun and learn more about the world around us."\n-- Contact Senior Writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.