Inspiring Kiwi Innovators of Tomorrow – New Exhibition

Inspiring Kiwi Innovators of Tomorrow – New Exhibition at MOTAT

Young Kiwi minds will learn and explore Kiwi innovation and ingenuity at the new ‘Welcome to the Machine’

Exhibition opening at Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) on 27 September.

MOTAT CEO Michael Frawley says “Welcome to the Machine is something new from MOTAT and was designed to challenge visitors’ perceptions of everyday objects and to teach children basic science.”

The Exhibition will show in a creative and interactive way how the six simple mechanisms can be combined to make more complex machines. It will also tell and explore important Kiwi stories of innovation and ingenuity and use simple physics-based science to teach visitors about how these are used in the construction of all sorts of objects.

“One great Kiwi story from the Exhibition is of the young Kiwi inventor Ayla Hutchinson. Ayla’s invention, the Kindling Cracker is driven by physics and has even received offers from international manufacturers” says Mr Frawley. “The six simple mechanisms include the lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge and screw and they are literally everywhere.”

My Frawley says “the Exhibition and Ayla’s story goes to the heart of the new MOTAT experience. The strategy is to transform the Museum into a ‘light bulb’ institution.” Visitors will be amazed to learn that some of the most recognisable simple mechanisms include many of the artefacts from MOTAT’s Collection such as, a corset, ships block, scales and even a tennis racquet. Visitors will be encouraged to explore the MOTAT Collection to see if simple machines are utilised in our more complex artefacts.

“The Exhibition will provide a new level of experience for visitors. Children will really get a great hands-on approach, getting a chance to see each machine in action” says Mr Frawley.

Some of the fun and interactive activities from Welcome to the Machines features include pinball machines, a giant lever on which you can lift a friend, an Archimedes’ screw that winds balls into the air, the Strongulator that magnifies strength and much more.

Under the new strategy the Museum plans to use artefacts alongside more interactive activities to provide a more practical learning experience, allowing visitors to see side-by-side, the science theory which drives many of the artefacts.

Mr Frawley says “the exhibition features innovation, invention and the ‘No 8’ wire attitude and is an essential day out for the next generation of young Kiwi minds.”

Welcome to the Machine will open daily from 10am – 5.00pm and admission to the exhibition is included as part of MOTAT general admission.

ENDS

© Scoop Media