Exhibit Promotes Learning From Nature

Visitors to Sugar Sand Park's Science Explorium now have the opportunity to see how Mother Nature might have already solved some of the problems currently facing humans.

Traveling exhibit Wild Creativity recently opened at the Science Explorium, teaching visitors about biomimicry – applying solutions already employed by nature in other situations to solve our everyday problems.

Created by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the exhibit promises that “Audiences will experience the diversity and wonder of nature, be introduced to the fundamentals of biomimicry, and
look to the natural world for inspiration in solving engineering design challenges through more than 10 hands-on interactives.”

Visitors enter the exhibit through an immersive introduction to biomimicry. They learn about
useful functions and the natural strategies that achieve them. 

They’ll see how problem solvers approach design challenges, beginning with inspiration from nature or a challenge humans face.

Some stations feature hands-on games for inspiration. There's an interactive dive into how kangaroos bounce to gain energy. There's also a game that demonstrates how form follows function by using the bird beak best shaped to reach its food.

Through other exhibits visitors can experiment with using biomimicry to increase garden yields or create different roofing styles with the goal of reflecting light away from cities.

The exhibit is designed for 9-14 year-olds and their families, but there is a little something for everyone except the youngest of children. Stations are presented in English and Spanish.

Wild Creativity runs though May 3.