Inspired by computer problem-solving games like "Myst," it's a huge puzzle in the form of an archaeological quest. The Adventure exhibit is even more disappointing. He calls the process "self-motivated discovery," arguing that "this is how the human brain has evolved to learn." But without any explanation provided, what exactly will people learn? Haven't a spoon and a faucet-or a drinking fountain, a thumb, and a little sister-already provided the same lessons? "If they happen to hit the spherical targets we've artfully placed there, the water will arc out in a sheet, and they'll learn something about the physics of water," says Wisne. Visitors can fire floor-mounted water guns at him and the surrounding rocks. In the center, a 25-foot statue of Poseidon brandishes a trident. It's coming from Poseidon's Dreamscape, a cavernous room filled with jets of water, sandboxes, model fish, and other oceanic amusements-without any explanatory labels to distract from the fun. The roar and chatter of running water fills the air. Duck in and you're surrounded by concrete boulders evoking a sea cave. Moist, chlorine-scented air spills out the entrance. Worse, it sometimes misleads.įor instance, one wing of the Ocean exhibit-a literal example of what Wisne calls an "immersive environment"-is splashy but scientifically unsatisfying. In the words of Joseph Wisne, vice president of exhibits, "We use techniques from themed entertainment and apply them to learning." There's lots of good, imaginative work on display here, but frequently the result piles on sensations without explanations. When its natural audience succumbs left and right to the siren song of water parks, thrill-rides, and actors dressed in dinosaur suits, what's a simple science center to do? Feeling the hot breath of theme parks at their heels, the creators of the newly expanded COSI (formerly the Center of Science and Industry) in Columbus, Ohio, have decided to follow the traditional advice for situations in which you can't beat 'em.
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