New Powered by Nature Exhibit premieres at Kohl Children’s Museum

Interactive Exhibit teaches the concepts behind renewable energy and its importance

 

Glenview, IL. – Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago announced the premiere of its newest exhibit, Powered by Nature, an innovative exhibit underwritten by The Allstate Corporation.  This 500-square-foot exhibit will allow children to learn and explore the concepts behind renewable energy.  Through hands-on exploration, children will be able to experiment and observe renewable energy sources, as well as technology, and learn what it takes to power the world around them.  The exhibit will open to the public November 1, 2011. 

“The future of the planet is in the hands of young people,” said Sheridan Turner, President and CEO of Kohl Children’s Museum. “It is vital that we ignite not only an understanding and appreciation of nature, but the impact of nature’s natural energy sources at an early age.  This exhibit does just that, but in a play-filled, exciting way.”

“Since our founding in Chicago eighty years ago, Allstate has looked for ways to help enrich the culture and vitality of our hometown,” said Jeanine Raquet, Vice President for Allstate Insurance Company. “We’re pleased to sponsor Powered By Nature and contribute to the learning experiences and life enrichment of Chicago’s families and all visitors to the Kohl Children’s Museum.”

Renewable Energy

The goal of Powered by Nature is to increase the awareness and understanding of children ages 3-8, as well as their parents, caregivers and teachers, about the properties of sun and wind as renewable sources of energy. 

Children will be able to conduct their own experiments using natural energy sources to discover the power of the forces of nature.  Five interactive stations encourage exploration, problem solving and collaboration.  Children will push buttons that create wind used to spin turbines and create light and construct neighborhoods using solar panels to make the homes light up. Through active exploration of natural phenomena, children will be able to become familiar with natural ways to power the Earth.

Windmill Explorations

Visitors build and test windmills to most effectively power an apartment building.  Three stations encourage collaboration, discussion and problem solving.

Sailboat Race

Children test and compare three sail shapes and sizes to best harness the wind from two directions to win a boat race.

Harness the Sun

Visitors manipulate the angle of houses in a town to best capture the sun using solar panels.  They can also test the efficiency of the panels on sunny and cloudy days.

Direct the Sun

In this computer simulation, visitors can predict the speed and distance of a magnifying glass to direct the sun to melt chocolate, popsicles and ice cream.  They can also manipulate mirrors to bounce the sun to power a solar powered toy. 

Musical Solar Sculpture (outdoor exhibit)

Visitors manipulate solar panels to capture the real sun’s energy to power musical outdoor sculptures made from wood, metal and other whimsical objects. They can also test the ability of wood, slate, concrete and other materials to absorb and store the heat of the sun. This exhibit is portable and can be moved to various locations.

Powered by Nature focuses on renewable energy.  This leading-edge exhibit is supported by ComEd, an Exelon Company; HSBC – North America; the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation; the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; and the Public Museum Capital Grants Program, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois State Museum.

About Kohl Children’s Museum

In recognition for its outstanding exhibits and impact on Chicago land families, Kohl Children’s Museum was recently named one of the country’s Ten Best Children’s Museums by Parents Magazine. The Museum was ranked sixth out of more than 300 children’s museums nationwide and was the only Chicago area museum recognized.

Offering 17 interactive, hands-on exhibits for children age’s birth to 8, the Museum’s mission is to encourage young children ages birth to 8 to become effective learners through self-directed complex play. Kohl Children’s Museum is located at 2100 Patriot Blvd., in Glenview, Ill. at the corner of Patriot Blvd. and W. Lake Ave. in the newly redeveloped area known as The Glen. The Museum can be easily reached by public transportation, including Pace bus and Metra trains.

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation(NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer known for its “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate^®” slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.comand 1-800 Allstate^®.

For more information, visit the Museum’s website at www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org or call (847) 832-6600. The Museum is open on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  June through August), Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Special members-only hours are from Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Admission prices are $9.50 for children and adults and $8.50 for senior citizens. Children under 1 year old and members are free.