This fall, keiki will be able to learn about STEM concepts while experiencing hands-on, age-appropriate exhibits at Kona’s Hawaii Keiki Museum.
Dana McLaughlin moved to Kona six years ago to raise her family. She said the lockdown during COVID-19 and limited educational avenues for students to learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) inspired her to create a place where keiki could learn about and connect with their island home.
“I thought, how can we improve educational opportunities and have access to this kind of tactile learning?” the MIT graduate said. “A museum made a lot of sense.”
McLaughlin secured some grant seed money and a lease for an 11,000-square-foot space in the Kona International Market to get the project started.
The interactive exhibits, designed for keiki birth to 9 years old will incorporate the Hawaiian ahupua‘a (mountain to sea land division) and add the element of stars and space.
“We want to show that science is all around us,” she said.
McLaughlin hopes by stimulating STEM learning at a young age, more local students will pursue the fields, and hopefully fill jobs here on the island.
The front of the museum will house the ocean component where kids can explore the power of water and learn about hydrodynamics on a water table. The water will start on the mountain and flow down the table where different “nature obstacles” such as twigs and rocks can divert the flow to the taro field below.
“This will be open ended, cooperative play,” said McLaughlin.
A hydro electric exhibit will introduce keiki to the power of water, a magnetic wall will demonstrate the water cycle. An always popular cyclone will also be exhibited.
Keiki will also learn about light frequency, trajectory and random paths through hands on participation.
A scale model of the Big Island will be built so kids can create models of clouds on the mauna (mountain) by shooting smoke from different parts of the island to see where they gather.
Participants will also learn about electricity through a kid powered generating bicycle, which additionally teaches about energy consumption. There’ll also be a modular gear table and wall of circuitry, a telescope, pulley systems, air flow chamber and giant foam building blocks.
A toddler-friendly area will be set up for parents to bring their entire family to experience the museum.
The museum is seeking a local benefactor who shares their vision of keeping local talent local.
McLaughlin said programs for older students are in the conception stage and she is hoping for community involvement developing programs like 3D printing. She is seeking community input and mentors to spark the imagination of our island youth. The museum is also looking for entrepreneurial individuals who would like to financially support their vision.
The museum’s gift shop will be the first to open at the museum in the next few weeks. It will supplement the funding to build the exhibits and offer patrons the opportunity to purchase educational gifts that are not available at the big box stores.
“It’s Kona’s museum,” said McLaughlin.
For more information visit https://hawaiikeikimuseum.wordpress.com.