Techniquest

Techniquest provides a hands-on approach to science, engineering, maths and technology, suitable for all ages. The centre promotes experiment and enquiry through self-exploration of each exhibit. Shows and demonstrations are held for school children and older pupils can take part in workshops. Techniquest follows the welsh curriculum, providing specific activities for the foundation phase, key stage 2 and secondary school pupils. (Techniquest.org)

Whisper Dishes 

The Whisper dish involves two people, one speaking into the ring in front of the dish and the other listening at the other dish. It demonstrates how sound waves are transmitted in the everyday technology we use, such as mobile phones and television. 
   The exhibit is suitable for all age ranges, but I feel key stage 2 pupils and onwards would find this interesting as they may be able to understand it better. The bright colours and design used is attractive to young children, and the size of it also makes it more appealing. 
    Children will need to be able to work together to use the exhibit, so team work is an essential skill needed. Also, the ability to follow instructions on the sign is needed, so they know how to use it properly. 
   The exhibit demonstrates scientific concepts, of how sound waves can beam through each dish to transfer the noise clearly to the other person listening at the dish. 

       Children's scientific knowledge becomes deepened by using this experiment as they are experiencing for themselves how sound waves can travel. For some, science topics such as sound can be quite difficult to grasp without demonstration. By using this exhibit, topics feel more real as they see it unfolding for themselves. 
        Before seeing this exhibit, I did not know how sound waves could travel in this way, so it has increased my subject knowledge. Going on school trips to Techniquest as a child was always exciting and fun as you could actually get involved yourself! Children and adults can benefit immensely from Techniquest. 
      Each exhibit is easy to use once the directions are read, and many are straight-forward. Use of water, wind, and sound add to the dynamic experience. Children are running free, able to explore whatever they want. This is the ultimate creative way to learn typically scientific subjects. The mix of the two aspects demonstrate how easy they work together to give children a stimulating learning experience. 
      Techniquest is different because it is completely interactive. Museums policy of no touching creates a barrier between the child and exhibit, but here children can become completely immersed in exploring and experimenting. 

References
Techniquest (2012). [Online]. [Accessed 21 April 2014]. Available from http://www.techniquest.org/