Toys: science at play

Toys: Science at Play

Education materials
pdf iconClassroom science activities

Toys: science at play was developed by Scitech discovery Centre, Perth
and ScienceWorks, Museum Victoria

Supporter

Sydney's Child - Sydney's most reputable guide for parents

26 February - 18 July 2005

Understanding science is fun when it involves playing with toys. What makes a spinning top stay upright? How does a doll talk? Why do magnets attract? The Toys: science at play exhibition has the answers for curious minds.

 

This fun and educational exhibition shows that playing with toys can develop all sorts of skills, they build physical and mental skills, foster creativity, critical thinking, cooperation and connect adults and children.

The exhibition includes a colourful collection of interactive exhibits such as robots, dolls, hula hoops and kaleidoscopes. Fly a helicopter solo, catch magnetic fish and spin a zoetrope. Children can make a jigsaw, create sound effects for a short animation and look through a huge periscope.


Find out what are the favourite toys of five leading Australian Scientists. A toy timeline features the most popular toys dating back from 1901 to the present including Meccano, Fuzzy Felt, Barbie, Slinkys, Rubiks Cubes, Tonka Trucks and Matchbox Cars.


The exhibition is divided into five areas:

  • Imaginative – Toys that take us to other

    worlds with the help of our imagination

  • Mysterious – Toys that use unseen forces such as magnetism and gravity

  • Creative – Toys that require performance whether it's karaoke, puppets or home made instruments

  • Timeless – Toys that have been used by many generations and haven't lost their appeal.

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Toys: Science at Play has something for the kids and kids at heart.