Kidspace Announces Arrival of Brand-new Exhibits

Kidspace Children’s Museum will see exhibit installation in Physics Forest commence on Monday, May 7, 2012, beginning at 7:00 a.m., and continuing Tuesday, May 8, beginning at 7:00 a.m. After two years in development, from the initial concept drawings in 2010, to the groundbreaking in January 2012, 13 brand-new, physics-related exhibits, created by Hands-On Interactive, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, will be arriving at Kidspace, in Brookside Park, beginning Monday, May 7. The arrival of these 13 exhibits marks the final stages of installation, and preparation for the Grand Opening of Physics Forest, Thursday, July 12, 2012.

All 13 new exhibits will illustrate different principles of physics and provide unique and interactive ways for Museum guests to engage with physics concepts. Whether it’s a demonstration of mass and acceleration found in the “Tennis Ball Launcher”, the reflection of light used in the “Sun Spotters”, or the power of mechanical advantage displayed in the “Giant Levers”. All the exhibits will be installed under a natural canopy of trees, nestled among plants that are native to the surrounding area, Pasadena’s Arroyo Seco. When the site is complete it will appear to be a natural extension of the hillside, enhancing the Museum’s ample outdoor facilities. Physics Forest is designed to inspire children to be the innovators and creators of tomorrow, and offer a unique and much-needed contribution to children’s education.

One of the principal forces driving the development of Physics Forest was none other than Kidspace Board Member, Dr. Mike Brown. Dr. Brown, who has served on Kidspace’s Board of Directors since 2008, is also the Richard and Barbara Rosenberg Professor of Planetary Astronomy at the Caltech, and author of How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming. Dr. Brown has been an integral part in moving Physics Forest from concept to reality.

“Mike Brown’s love of science and education is infectious. He has an incredible gift for translating difficult and elusive concepts into ideas that are accessible to a much wider audience. This spirit of educational innovation has been infused into the DNA of Physics Forest and we are truly excited to present this space to its guests and impart a love of science to the next generation,” said Michael Shanklin, Kidspace’s Chief Executive Officer.

Initial funding for the Physics Forest was provided by a grant from the California Cultural and Historical Endowment, which was supplemented by major gifts from the Annenberg Foundation, GGE Foundation, Ayrshire Foundation, and other generous contributors. With the generosity of Kidspace Board Member, Dr. Gail Galvin Ellis, and Galvin family foundations, Kidspace has recently launched a $13 million capital campaign, The Campaign for the Future of Kidspace, to continue fund-raising efforts for Physics Forest, as well as create a plan for the future of Kidspace (http://kidspacemuseum.org/contribute/campaign-future-kidspace).

After exhibit installation is complete, construction crews will spend the next 10 weeks adding final touches to the space to ensure that Physics Forest is ready to be unveiled to the public at its official Grand Opening, Thursday, July 12, 2012. View live video of the exhibit installation from the Physics Forest Camera at www.kidspacemuseum.org.

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