A new exhibit that opened up since we were there last time is one on accessibility. The guide talked to us about various disabilities and the tools used to help people with those disabilities.
The kids got to try on different goggles that demonstrated what it was like to have different vision impairments. There was a children's book in braille and a braille machine. They also talked about hearing imparements.
There was a wall with different smells and another wall with different textures. There was a short bowling alley with a device to help aim the ball.
Athletic wheelchairs were tried out to experience wheelchair basketball. What are the rules about dribbling and carrying the ball?
Then we went upstairs to a classroom where the teacher talked to us about significant people in Virginia history.
Everyone listened intently. Everyone had a chance to participate. The rocket ship was an outline of important people and times in Virginia history.
C., C., D. & J. were in the part about native residents in Virginia and the early settlers. J. & D. are holding early boats.
J., B., D. and K. participated in talking about the Revolutionary War in Virginia and significant Virginians.
J. had a revolutionary war soldier. B. had George Washington and D. is holding the Declaration of Independence
This group talked about the Civil War and Reconstruction. C. has the Emancipation Proclamation. R. got to be Abraham Lincoln.
R. as A. Lincoln
This group talked more about reconstruction and what happened afterwards. One person they mentioned was a Maggie _____________ who started a separate bank for freed slaves in Virginia who otherwise could not get a bank loan.
The last person they talked about was Arthur Ashe and his experiences as a black athlete breaking the race barrier in tennis.
Here are a few view of the incredible climbing structure. The elevator and stairs run near the structure and cameras are strategically placed so parents can check to see where their kids are in the structure.
B.
There are tubes to slide down, ladders to climb up and even a zip line.
The zip line cleverly pulls itself back with the help of a weight.
Other exhibits included - heart health and exercise
A model of the James River and
working models of locks with wooden boats the kids can float on the water.
C. and J. Completing electric circuits.
D. & J. doing experiments with ping pong balls and forces.
Nintendo rock band.
A glass room to paint on the walls in.
The awesome stairs light up as people step on them (and break the electric light beam). The climbing structure is to the left.
The newest member of our homeschool group in the arms of our senior homeschool person.
Group photo in the lobby of Amazement Square. The panels list donors and they are actually on buttons, one letter per button, that can be pushed in to create patterns and shadows. When done there are handles to the side to pull out and make everything level again.
It was a nice enough day to picnic outside (if you sat in the sunshine - it is January).
