Wonderlab explores 'The World We Create'

In fewer than 90 seconds, 60 seventh-graders scrambled to construct a Roman arch. Three sets of hands control the building of a mini-skyscraper with virtual cranes and 20 third-graders climbed their way to the top of a ladder made of lily pads.\nAt "The World We Create," a traveling exhibition currently at the Wonderlab, Bloomington's museum of health, science and technology, children are exploring a variety of activities meant to teach them about the worlds of engineering and architecture. \nLouise Schlesinger, Wonderlab's marketing director, said the stations required expansive floor space. \n"We had to put over half of our permanent collection in storage for this exhibit," she said. \n"The World We Create" was inspired by a Louisville Science Center exhibit. Through hands-on activities, museum-goers develop teamwork, problem solving and hand-eye coordination skills.\nAt one station, four 7-year-olds listened to a volunteer explain a teamwork activity. Different colored Tonka trucks rolled down a conveyor belt. In the gutters on either side, different colored wheels rolled down. The 7-year-old assemblers had to make sure the color of the wheels matched the colors of the trucks. Within 60 seconds, these young manufacturers correctly assembled about eight more trucks than the Wonderlab staff had in the same activity, Schlesinger said.\nIn another station, two teenagers scrambled to build a tower on a vibrating platform. One clutched foam blocks, holding the structure up, while the other continued to build skyward.\nThe activity simulates the effect that hurricane winds and earthquakes have on buildings.\n"This is hands-on science," Schlesinger said. "It isn't passive."\nWonderlab is participating in a downtown promotion called First Fridays, where downtown restaurants, shops and attractions offer special deals to encourage people to come downtown the first Friday of each month, Schlesinger said. The museum will now be open until 8:30 p.m. Fridays, with a reduced admission of $3 per person after 5 p.m. \n"I know it's intimidating to see all these little kids," Schlesinger said. "But we want students to know that they can come here as a stress reliever before finals or as a start to their evening."\nSeveral upcoming programs at the museum will be connected with "The World We Create." "What's in the World We Create?" is a program for adults about the biological changes the world will face in the next decade and will be held Thursday and Saturday.\nDuring late April, Wonderlab will feature "Festival of Construction: A Showcase of Designers, Builders and Big Machines."\nAside from "The World We Create," live animal exhibits will also be on display during the next few weeks. In these exhibits, trained volunteers handle animals, like the resident iguana, for museum-goers. \nSchlesinger said by showing people natural environments like Wonderlab's live beehive, people can learn science from a social point of view. In one demonstration, Rob McCrea, the gallery operations manager, showed a group of students how to build a Roman arch and in the process, offered an exciting lesson on basic physics. \nAlthough Wonderlab does provide a learning experience to visitors, the difference between Wonderlab and school is understood by students, parents and employees. \n"This is fun," Schlesinger said.