The project proposes revamping an outdoor "beehive" area at a children's museum to make it more interactive and visually appealing. Research found that children learn best through tactile interaction and play. The concept is to create an interactive pollination exhibit with large wooden flower bases, tennis ball pollen, and acrylic petals for children to "pollinate" between flowers. Signs will explain the importance of bee pollination. Considerations include ensuring materials can withstand outdoor weather and children's use. The goal is to educate children about pollination and bees in an engaging, hands-on way.

1. Thinkery Project
The Hive
Riya Patel

2. Space
Revamp outdoor
“beehive” area
Noticed lack of
interactive elements
and visual appeal.
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3. Aspects
Additive
(S)TEAM
Tactile
Interactive
● Adding to an existing structure
● Lack of animals in exhibit space
● Focus on Nature and Biology
● Tactile interaction & body movement suitable for
Thinkery age range
● Learning through play - (note how this relates to Thinkery
Goals)
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4. Observational
Research
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During our visit…
● Most children were 4-7 years old
● Busiest areas involved tactile interaction with moveable objects
(Let’s Grow, Currents)
● Children of different ages and sizes able to reach/access the
exhibits
● Outdoor area sparse, apart from playscape and lacking the
“Learning through play” aspect
● Busiest areas full of color and signage

5. Competitive
Research
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6. Learning Goals
Education on the process of
pollination and the
importance of bees.
“Pollination is the process that allows plants to reproduce.
Most plants need bees and other insects to pollinate from one
plant to the next.
When a bee, or other insect lands on a flower, small particles of
pollen stick to its legs. As the bee flies to the next plant, it
transfers the pollen over with it. If they ever stopped
pollinating, it could damage the plants that bear fruit and
produce oxygen.
People need the bees, the plants, and food they provide to
survive and preserve the planet.”
-Kremp Florist Pollination for Kids
Bees are friends, not foes!
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7. Research Findings
Tactile Learning
“ Children learn through a variety of ways, but learning through
the senses is the biggest way.
Most teaching has been done specifically to target visual and
audible learners. Teaching through the means of tactile
education can help a child develop fully by using the senses
and hands-on experiences as well as these visual and auditory
means.
...tactile learning, is beneficial for helping students overcome
challenges in the classroom and eventually challenges in the
real world.“
-American Montessori Campus
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8. Research Findings
Bees
“Scientists consider bees to be a keystone species. They are so
important to an ecosystem that it will collapse without them. At least
90 commercially grown crops depend upon bee pollination for
survival.”
“...In the U.S., these super-pollinators are worth 14.6 billion dollars in
crop production.”
“The most likely colors to attract bees, according to scientists, are
purple, violet and blue.”
-Beeculture.com, The Magazine
of American Beekeeping
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9. Research Findings
Color
“Children prefer brighter colors from an early age because their eyes
are not fully developed yet.
They perceive these colors better than fainter shades. Bright colors
and contrasting colors stand out more in their field of vision.
As children constantly strive to make sense of their environments,
objects that are stark and bright are more stimulating and
interesting.”
-Rachel Pancare, Sciencing.com
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10. Concept
An interactive exhibit surrounding the outdoor “hive”
focusing on bee pollination.
Our additive project will include a pollination play area
with flowers for kids to “pollinate” and signs that explain
the importance of bees through simple visuals.
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11. Initial
Sketches
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12. Materials
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Pollen: Tennis balls
Petals & Signs: Acrylic
Flower Base: Wood/velcro
Mounting: Zip ties & Nails

13. Considerations
Dimensions & Scale:
● Flowers must be short enough for kids to reach.
● Petals can’t be too tall or long - 8”
● Base of flower - 12” diameter
● Signs - 8”
Durability & Safety:
● Will ⅛” acrylic hold up well to children roughhousing?
● Can velcro withstand outdoor weather or be easily
cleaned?
● Adhere flowers to stumps with nails
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14. Conclusion
Questions?
Suggestions?
Concerns?
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