With a short timeline and a modest budget, the Tucson Children’s Museum turned to the Exhibit Guys to create a group of exhibits for a new Electri-City Gallery. Working closely with TCM staff, we designed and fabricated five original exhibits that get kids energized about energy. The exhibits are all contained in a simple cruciform structure forming four alcoves.
The Kid-Powered Train is a big hit. Turn the crank to generate power.
The train heads off through the tunnel, picking up speed as you crank faster. To bring the train back, crank the other way. A simple demonstration of two key aspects of electricity: magnitude and polarity.
Feel the force at the Hand Crank Power Station. Four switches let you choose how many lamps to light. Watts add up in a hurry when your muscles are the source of power.
The Electric Dollhouse is a puzzle that promotes energy conservation. Try to turn out all the lights before leaving — it’s not easy, but it’s fun. Playful silhouettes appear in each window.
The goal of Spin-Off is to minimize the power drawn by three appliances. But as in real life, it can be tricky — turn a knob, and unexpected relationships are revealed.
