Hands On! the local children’s museum in the heart of downtown Hendersonville, reports that 414 kids attended Makerspace between February and March.
The temporary addition of the Makerspace program, sponsored by The Duke Energy Foundation, was held in the Hands On! new STEAM Room. Children and adults were invited to use their imaginations to design and build bridges, Franken toys, robots, and more. Other engaging activities included the Magnet Wall Challenge and a Problem Solving Table. Education Coordinator Kay Campbell shared, “Adding the Makerspace program provided an exciting example of creative learning that engaged visitors in new ways.”
The program had a limited run and Hands On! is now seeking funding to bring it back. Parents and kids alike want the program to continue with one child exclaiming, “Makerspace is my favorite part of Hands On!” A Mom that visited multiple times with her two children repeatedly asked, “when will this come back?”
By providing the tools and materials to inspire, in a Makerspace kids are allowed to let their creativity run wild, make a mess and have fun. Makerspaces are mentor-led learning environments where children use real materials and tools to encourage curiosity. Guests tinker, repurpose, upcycle, take apart and put back together to make a creation or discovery all their own. These programs strengthen community-based learning, particularly for critical thinking, problem solving and engagement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
Heather Boeke, Executive Director of Hands On! shared, “We are thankful for the support provided by The Duke Energy Foundation and are seeking community support to continue providing this well received program addition.” If you are interested in providing support to continue the Makerspace program through a donation or sponsorship, please contact Heather Boeke at 828-697-8333 or [email protected].
Hands On! is a children’s museum with the mission to provide “hands on” educational experiences that stimulate the imagination and motivate learning in a fun, safe environment. The museum located at 318 N. Main Street and open to the public Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00-5:00. Learn more at www.handsonwnc.org or call 828-697-8333 for further information.