Creating an Immersive Experience
Maryland Science Center
Expanding Creativity
For more than 40 years, the Maryland Science Center has been fascinating visitors of all ages with hands-on and engaging learning opportunities. Looking to update and grow, the center hired Boss Display to create Water Play, an immersive water gallery that engages scientific thinking through interactive activities. Boss Display had previously installed a water exhibit at the center in 1999 and now has created a design twice the size of the original that had to be delivered in nine pieces to fit into the space.
Open Ended Possibilities
We needed to create activities that foster as much fun and problem-solving when one child is present as when fifty are. To meet the center’s needs, we designed components that can be interacted with in multiple ways, either by someone alone or with others, like the Dam Tabs, Make a Fountain, and the Squirt Guns with Spinning Targets. Kids engage in fun, hands-on social development when seeing the different ways they and their peers can interact with the exhibit.
Inclusive Interactions
To make STEAM learning widely available, we ensured exploration and fun were accessible to children of all ages, sizes, and abilities. They can build confidence using cause and effect with our two different Build-a-Pipe systems, where either water or fog are directed through plumbing structures of their own design. Energetic kids and curious toddlers can develop social and emotional skills by exploring fog mushrooms and water vortexes together.
“We are pleased to have worked with Boss Display and are justifiably proud of Water Play in our Kids Room.”
Making the World of Science Local
We wanted the fun of real world learning to remind children of the place they call home. The many interactive components are not only hands-on, but also evoke the unique Maryland environment. The marshy landscape of the water table includes Great Blue Heron Tippy Birds, a Blue Crab Water Sculpture, and a Screwpile Lighthouse that lights up when kids pump water through a water wheel. Water Play fosters inclusive cognitive development through engaging and creative activities, all while retaining an authentic Chesapeake Bay culture.
Features:
Hand-pump Cloud Cannon
Duplo area and dam tabs where kids use blocks to see how constructions change the flow of water
Cascading pans show visitors the difference between water permeable and impermeable surfaces
Interactive Vortex with hand wheel to alter it’s flow
Blue Crab Water Sculpture, and tipping heron
Water wheel-operated lighthouse
Water and Fog Build-a-Pipe with parts-catcher for easy cleanup
Water toys
Fogging Mushroom Fountain
Squirt guns and spinning targets
Floating Lily pads
Other Featured Work
