Experiential design specialists, Jack Rouse Associates (JRA) has created a brand new interactive museum for children in Sioux City, Iowa.
The LaunchPAD Children’s Museum forms part of the ongoing rejuvenation of downtown Sioux City’s Historic Pearl Street.
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JRA were responsible for the overall planning and development of the 7000 sq ft attraction which has been designed for children up to the age of 10.
All the exhibits in the new attraction, which celebrated its grand opening yesterday, are interactive and hands-on, encouraging imagination, problem solving and open-ended exploration.
“When you see a child playing, you are watching a learning process, ” comments LaunchPAD Executive Director, Bob Fitch. “Play is a child’s work. They are engaging and experimenting with the world around them.”
The PAD in LaunchPAD stands for Play And Discover.
Exhibits include:
- Me and You: Here, children learn about themselves and experience a connection with others in the museum and throughout the world.
- Construction, Mechanics and Architecture: A building area where children can operate a variety of simple machines.
- River: Sensory water play employing scientific concepts and fostering curiosity-driven learning.
- Wind: A chance to investigate the properties of wind. This area encourages observation, collaboration and discussion.
- Market and Café: A role play exhibit with the chance to use simple maths including counting and sorting.
- Agriculture: Here children learn about various foods that grow locally and find out how they grow.
- Infant-Toddler Area: Aimed at the youngest visitors, this exhibit offers a mix of engaging, developmental challenges.
“Doing in the pursuit of understanding underlies the approach at LaunchPAD, ” adds Fitch.
JRA has a proven track record in this sector, with past projects including Imaginosity in Ireland, Lao Niu Children’s Discovery Museum in China, Enginuity in England, Museo de los Niños in Guatemala and Children’s Museum of Atlanta in the United States.
