EPSCoR and Stillwater Medical Center Fund Oklahoma WONDERtorium Exhibits

STILLWATER, OK (March 14, 2011) – Dismantling a clock to reconstruct it as a robot and play-acting to perform a surgical procedure on a broken elbow are scientific explorations two agencies in Stillwater believe will benefit the development of Oklahoma children. Oklahoma EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) and Stillwater Medical Center (SMC) are early supporters of the design and development of exhibits in the Oklahoma WONDERtorium, the new children’s museum expected to open in summer 2011. Ruth Cavins, executive director of the museum commented, “The early support of Oklahoma EPSCoR and Stillwater Medical Center has given our capital campaign a real boost – both financially and as an endorsement of our mission to inspire curiosity to learn through play for a lifetime.”

“Discovery Diner” – A Child’s Research Experience
Oklahoma EPSCoR is supporting the development of the “Discovery Diner” interactive exhibit. A semi-circular table resembling a 50’s diner invites visitors to sit on stools while the host (behind the counter) serves up all types of hands-on exploration activities. Children and their grownups may take apart common household appliances and re-build them into useful items or creative (perhaps humorous) works of art. Experimentations with small motors, batteries, LED lights, computers, paints, fabrics – all kinds of found and recycled objects will lead to new learning opportunities. This $10,000 exhibit will also feature interchangeable information displays, a dry erase board for brainstorming and sketching and accommodations for differently abled visitors. “Discover Diner” will also serve as a host site for special speakers and presentations. Encouraging a collaboration with educational and research institutes, this exhibit will provide an exceptional space for K-12 Outreach.

“Discovery Diner” is in harmony with the K-12 mission of Oklahoma EPSCoR to support meaningful enrichment programs that students wouldn’t otherwise have access to, due to declining school budgets and rising legislative standards. OK EPSCoR was established in 1985 by the National Science Foundation to strengthen Oklahoma’s exploration and growth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Oklahoma EPSCoR has been a long-standing supporter of the Oklahoma WONDERtorium’s Museum Without Walls programming. They initially funded the development of “Plant Virus Exploration,” a 5th grade museum-to-school program that introduces children to the nano-sized world of viruses. This program complements the 5th grade state-approved Micro Worlds and Ecosystems Science units.

Dr. James Wicksted, Associate Director and Principle Investigator, Oklahoma NSF EPSCoR, said, “Oklahoma EPSCoR supports the WONDERtorium’s efforts to excite children about science and technology. We have supported the museum for many years and when we were approached about funding the ‘Discovery Diner’ exhibit in the new facility, we knew immediately it is the perfect fit for our younger student outreach mission to promote interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We believe ‘Discovery Diner’ will lead children to want to continue to explore and question the things around them in the world.”

“My Medical Center” – Dramatic Play Dampens the Drama of Going to the Doctor
Stillwater Medical Center is sponsoring the $15,000 design and development of “My Medical Center” – a four-room installation that includes a Check In area, Doctor’s Office, Lab & X-Ray area, and Surgery & Recovery suite. This exhibit gives little visitors the opportunity to “practice” medicine through dramatic play. Because hospitalization, doctor appointments and healthcare experiences can be difficult for children of all ages, medical play allows children to work out (or “play out”) their feelings regarding medical incidents. Through play, children may act out their fears and misconceptions about a hospital experience or doctor visit. Adult supervision and feedback can reinforce and reassure the child – especially in a play environment.

“Stillwater Medical Center is pleased to assist the WONDERtorium in providing youth the opportunity to learn more about healthcare and the health professions that are available,” said Jerry Moeller, CEO of Stillwater Medical Center. “Our hope is that ‘My Medical Center’ will spark an interest in young children to pursue healthcare careers in the future.”

Cavins commented, “Oklahoma EPSCoR’s and Stillwater Medical Center’s generous donations point out how a not-for-profit, public trust agency, foundation, or corporation can measurably impact its future constituency and the public at large. Fun, playfully interactive hands-on experiences like ‘Discovery Diner’ and ‘My Medical Center’ can heighten a child’s interest in exploration or experimentation or lessen a child’s fears – easing anxiety in childhood and throughout life. It may also stimulate their interest in the scientific fields of research or medicine, or any number of disciplines.”

Contact the Oklahoma WONDERtorium for more information at 405.533.3333 or visit their website at: www.okwondertorium.org