With all the emphasis on STEM subjects in school these days, it's no wonder NYC's children's museums have been mounting interactive installations that try to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts in a fun and engaging way. But up until now, these STEM-themed exhibits have mostly been at places with those words in their name, like the New York Hall of Science, the Museum of Mathematics and the Sony Wonder Technology Lab—not the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Much as my family loves BCM (as borough residents it's one of our go-to cold weather play spots), I've always felt its installations skewed younger and tended to be about natural science or pretend play. That's why its new exhibit, More Than Meets the "I", is such a game changer.
Comprised of 18 interactive stations, More Than Meets the "I" invites kids to learn about innovations (the "I" in the title) in biology, health, robotics and technology. Although designed to be fun for all ages—as you can see from the photos, my toddler had a blast trying out everything—it's definitely aimed at older kids. My young elementary schooler got a lot more out of it than my younger son, and grown-ups will, too. I certainly learned a lot of new stuff!
Located on the second floor of the Brooklyn Children's Museum, More Than Meets the "I" kept my two sons busy from the moment we walked in. You don't have to tell them to touch things twice! They ran back and forth between the well-organized displays, eager to try all of the interactive activities, though often without reading the directions. (That's what mom's for, right?)
The hands-on stations were, unsurprisingly, their favorites. In the Molecules and Health: The Shape of Science section, they built models of interlocking molecules and stood on a scale that determined how many of the microscopic building blocks were in their bodies. In the Nano area, they made a giant carbon nanotube out of foam pieces, and tried to stabilize a nano world with cars and buildings on a tilting table. But the robotic fish developed by the NYU Polytechnic School of engineering was their favorite, hands-down. They could control the fish—which are attached to wires but submerged in real water—with an iPad app. Since everything my kids do these days seems to involve a tablet or smartphone, they loved this "game."
The less interactive bits still had boards to flip, puzzles to solve and buttons to press, though they all involved quite a bit of reading. Our one big disappointment was the 3D printing part, which was just a glass display case with 3D printed items and nothing happening. The printer wasn't even working.
Ultimately, all of us enjoyed exploring More Than Meets the "I", and my older son and I came away with a better understanding of these exciting scientific fields. In light of the complicated concepts, I'd say it's best suited for children ages 7 and up, though my toddler was perfectly content "playing" along. If your kids want to stay longer than you do, grab a seat on one of the couches in the corner, where you'll also find science-themed children's books provided by the Uni Project and the Brooklyn Public Library.
More Than Meets the "I" is on view through Monday, January 19, 2015 at the Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue at St. Marks Avenue. Free with admission: $9, free for children under age 1.
Find out about other cool exhibits for kids in our Museum Guide.