Technopolis

Shea lost her head

Hayden using his head

On Wednesday, the kids and I joined some friends at Technopolis in Mechelen.  Technopolis is filled 100's of  hands-on experiments.  This place is amazing.  The building is so full of fun, that it spills out onto the front sidewalk.

When pulling into the parking lot you see a huge lever system with a car on one side.  The kids all pulled on the ropes hanging from the opposite side and hoisted that car like it was nothing.  They were instantly on cloud nine.

Inside Logan rode a bike 1/2 way across the lower floor on a tight-rope.  Shea lost her head on the optical-illusion table and Hayden pounded his against a drum to test sound waves.  (He originally used his fist but got tired and started using his head.  They had a chess set outside and Logan challenged some French speaking kids.  Both games the other boys quit before they lost.  Logan was a little disappointed they wouldn't let him finish.  Oh, well. We all took turns laying on a bed of nails and played with bubbles and water.  Logan and I played a "mind game". The game consists of a small ball that is pushed/pulled away from the person with the least amount of anxiety/stress/heartbeat.  Surprisingly, I won.

Logan the Acrobat

The place I learned the most, was also the most simply built.  It was a hallway with alternating light and dark carpet tiles.  You are given the instructions to cross to the other side of the hallway only on the light grey tiles.

Carpet with a meaning

On the other side you read.  "Did you only walk on the light grey tiles?  You really are a good girl or boy, aren't you? In some situations it's good to follow orders, but it's best if you maintain a healthy critical spirit.  Here at Technopolis also, when you're doing an experiment, critical thinking about why you're doing the various things you're asked to do is always better than the slavish following of orders."Sometimes, I honestly wish my kids would just do what I told them to do.  They are always asking why and do have strong wills.  I need to remember that that isn't such a bad trait.  Asking WHY is a valid question and so simple to do.  WHY don't I ask Why more?  WHY don't you?

©ColleenFisher