A toy is anything that succeeds in attracting and holding a child’s interest, stimulating curiosity, encouraging creativity and inspiring imagination. Toys can teach us how to create better experiences for young people. We have so much to learn from toys!
Toys also remind adults how to play. This is important! As we grow older, we become more boring to young audiences. We become obsessed with information. We forget that real science is also about exploring and experimenting. Children are the world’s greatest experts at exploring and experimenting. When we learn to communicate more playfully, we begin to engage with young people more effectively.
Come along and play. Explore tables covered with toys. Chat with our presenters.
There will be age-old, traditional wooden toys, toys you can make yourself and toys designed by children. Some of the toys have been used in science centre outreach activities and others have inspired a professional designer to create better interactive exhibits. Bring your favourite teddy bear or other soft-toy animal and contribute to a cuddly species classification!
This will be an informal, fully hands-on session taking place in the Business Bistro. It will continue into the coffee break so there will be extra time to come and play with us afterwards.