THE EurE TM ExHibiTion AN INTERACTIVE HISTORY OF SCIENCE FOR CHILDREN

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Lorraine Jones
5 years ago
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1 THE EurE ExHibiTion TM AN INTERACTIVE HISTORY OF SCIENCE FOR CHILDREN

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3 THE EurE TM ExHibiTion AN INTERACTIVE HISTORY OF SCIENCE FOR CHILDREN

I N T R O D U C T I O N In this sixth international traveling exhibition Artisans of Florence's have achieved an even more satisfying fun and interactive way to inspire a new generation of students

5 I N T R O D U C T I O N In this sixth international traveling exhibition Artisans of Florence's have achieved an even more satisfying fun and interactive way to inspire a new generation of students by introducing them to modern science's most important and fundamental principles in a meaningful and memorable way from a historical perspective. The exhibition begins with the first truly modern scientist Archimedes, continues with the first large scale mass application of technology by the very practical Roman Empire (as recorded by Roman engineer Marcus Vitruvius), and culminates with the science and innovation of the Renaissance through the eyes of its visionary master Leonardo da Vinci. By examining the science of these three important scientific periods and the genius of these influential individuals we can experience the scientific leaps upon which our modern science is based. This exhibition of small interactive exhibits contains very big historical and educational value: with workshops, structured games and open-ended activities that are interactive and self-guided, raising awareness among the younger generation that is fundamental for the acquisition of knowledge and the promotion of learning in a profound and lasting way. We do it by retracing the footsteps of Archimedes, Vitruvius and Leonardo, because these giants of science represent the peak of human intellect through their invention of the first simple machines. Our goal is to bring young audiences closer to our world s most important scientific heritage, brought together in a small area so that they can explore and learn together. From these exhibits and workshops children can become familiar with the geometric shapes of Archimedes, learn about Leonardo's simple machines, and be introduced to the amazing engineering secrets of the great Roman Empire. Despite the apparent simplicity of their designs, these mechanisms are still in wide use today and tell the fascinating story of the collective scientific journey of mankind culminating with the achievements of perhaps the greatest mind in recorded history Leonardo da Vinci, whose unfettered imagination, brilliant intellect, and simplicity in presentation demonstrates the capability within each of us to understand our contemporary world through observation and experimentation in order to equip us to one day become active participants to its further exploration and development. Suitable for children and families and a great asset for education in schools, science centers, museums, libraries and educational institutions, the Eureka - Interactive History of Science Exhibition for children is an easy to install, fun, interactive, educational exhibition comprised of historically accurate scientific models for even the most budget conscious venues and a place where the next generation of scientists can experience their first Eureka moment!

7 LEONARDO DA VINCI - EXPERIENCE IS THE ESSENCE OF LEARNING The world famous interactive exhibition of Leonardo da Vinci's machines which has toured all of the major cities of the world has now been redesigned specifically for younger children. It is a little known fact that the concept for the first "hands-on" exhibition was invented by Leonardo himself some 500 years ago when he drew a series of simple mechanical models with handles which could be used for educational demonstrations. It was in the 1950s that our artisans decided to build the models true to Leonardo's designs including the handles! Surprisingly, this was an unprecedented move no one thought of it as useful at the time. In fact, the Italian museums thought the handles were a ridiculous inclusion, as they would lead to visitors touching the exhibits! With this the esteemed Niccolai family founded possibly the world's first private interactive exhibition and later a museum in Florence. An educational workshop was also established as a teaching environment to assist educators to get the most from their students' interactions with Leonardo's machines, and this has driven our group's educational mission over many years. Through their interactivity our machines and exhibits not only harness the true inspiration of Leonardo's philosophy of education, but do so in a scientifically and historically accurate way that is fun and educational and able to be understood immediately by visitors of all ages and levels. This educational workshop and the associated workbenches of the Eureka Interactive History of Science Exhibition, are tried and tested embracing the philosophy of the great master Leonardo himself, in a safe environment. The activities such as Leonardo s building blocks (that look amazingly like Lego) found in Leonardo's Codex Madrid are an example of some of the tactile activities which allows children to develop their own personal imagination through the creation of forms and structures, without outside influence and with minimal supervision. The underlying theme of the exhibits are to enhance children's understanding of practical science in the wider world. The practical skills learned by children from these workshops will allow them to understand basic mechanisms, engineering and mechanics through clear examples of the fundamental concepts of physics. They are thus ideal for all cultural institutions: museums, exhibitions, primary schools, kindergartens, libraries and even entertainment centers. Understanding the science of Leonardo da Vinci has never been so fun! Topics covered: simple machines, engineering, art and physics.

8 STUDY OF SIMPLE GEARS Toothed-wheels were the basic gears of the ancient world. Mechanically they are very effective because the teeth of each gear fit well between the grooves of the connecting gears: by rotating a single component, movement is transmitted simultaneously to a series of mechanisms. The design of gears with interlocking teeth creates a much safer method of driving the transmission of motion because the teeth lock into grooves. These mechanisms are considered simple gears because they are fundamental components of more complex machines. Leonardo was able to clearly illustrate the basic principles of functionality and safety whilst improving the machines' function at the same time.

ARCHED BRIDGE Leonardo devised a bridge capable of being easily assembled from readily available materials. His arched bridge is strong and lightweight and is constructed rapidly.

9 ARCHED BRIDGE Leonardo devised a bridge capable of being easily assembled from readily available materials. His arched bridge is strong and lightweight and is constructed rapidly. The bridge is also quite stable thanks to his ingenious method of interlocking pieces. Built only from wooden beams, the bridge forms an arched shape which is known by engineers and architects to be a very strong and stable shape. The bridge was originally designed to allow soldiers to quickly cross streams, even those with strong currents. Leonardo's arched bridge was nicknamed the "coward" because it was often used by the soldiers to make a hasty retreat from battle.

INTERLOCKING BRICKS (BUILDING BLOCKS) Different types of building blocks were discovered throughout several different volumes of Leonardo's codices (notebooks).

10 INTERLOCKING BRICKS (BUILDING BLOCKS) Different types of building blocks were discovered throughout several different volumes of Leonardo's codices (notebooks). Leonardo had fun experimenting with different forms of structural elements and joints while trying to discover new strong construction methods. These particular blocks found in his Codex Madrid are quite uniquely shaped and solid, allowing for free-form assembly of complex shapes while interlocking well together. Leonardo's interlocking building blocks are used to inspire children's constructive imagination, allowing them to fit the blocks in various ways to create shapes and structures as they please.

11 WOODEN STAMPS (& rubber stamps) A fun and creative way for children to familiarize themselves with some of the most famous designs by Leonardo. Including the Mona Lisa, Vitruvian man, geometrical shapes and the aerial screw, these stamps are fun and creative. Press the stamp into the ink-pad and apply the design onto the paper sheet provided, and add your own characters, designs and story to the page. Don't forget to take your masterpiece home with you!

13 ARCHIMEDES THE FATHER OF SCIENCE There is no doubt that the term "science" as we now know it can be traced back to the sphere of influence of the scholars of Alexandria of Egypt. Around 2,300 years ago in 300 BC Archimedes of Syracuse first theorized his revolutionary discoveries in mathematics, geometry and physics, for the purpose of military weapons and civil engineering. This exhibition allows visitors to explore all of these topics as well as demonstrating how Archimedes' contributions have enriched our knowledge in every field of modern science. Archimedes is a name that evokes in many the image of a "mad" scientist: working frantically on his latest project or deep in contemplation of the conundrums of the universe, or quickly brings to mind the legend of his Eureka moment, which led him to run naked through town, shouting Eureka! (I've got it!) The Eureka exhibition retraces some of the greatest discoveries in the fields of geometry and mathematics from this period. Archimedes was very attentive to the theories of Euclid of Alexandria, for whom the laws of nature could be presented through the simplicity of lines and points and the fundamental principles of the universe could be mastered. But what would be the best way for young minds to capture these complex scientific concepts? Through play of course! With activities such as create and play with 3D spiral models and make your own symmetrical shapes which Archimedes and his friends called Polyhedrons. This exhibition makes sure that gaining an all important knowledge of geometry and mathematics is no longer a purely theoretical exercise, but a practical and fun experience! Lastly it is impossible to think of Archimedes without looking into his studies of parabolic shapes which led him to design burning mirrors, or without mentioning the all important Archimedes' Principle, which explains how objects float and enabled him to build the world's largest ship of his time. Archimedes is a fascinating scientist to discover (or rediscover). Even the most learned adult visitors will leave the exhibition with an enriched understanding and appreciation of this enigmatic but brilliant scientific hero. Topics covered: geometry, physics, mechanics, engineering

A fun activity which is ideal for student groups and families working together as a team!

14 FUN WITH SPIRALS #1 Build a spiral from rectangular pieces by stacking them one by one. Radiating outward from the center. The end result resembles a spiral staircase. FUN WITH SPIRALS #2 Piece by piece, assemble this human-sized spiral. A fun activity which is ideal for student groups and families working together as a team! THE SPIRAL Archimedes dedicated an entire treatise (scientific book) to spirals. A spiral is a curve that develops starting from a single inner point and radiates outwards with a circular movement, as time goes by. If the radial velocity (circular speed) is constant, the shape formed is called an Archimedes Spiral.

15 FUN WITH SPIRALS #3: ARCHIMEDES SCREW The Archimedes Screw is a machine that uses a spiral staircase to lift objects. It was a practical machine made from wooden discs fixed on a long axle with a handle at one end (the whole spiral is sealed on the outside). When the screw was turned water would come up the layers until it reached the top of the screw above the riverbank. It was used for irrigation and to bail water out of boats. Archimedes was able to explain how it worked. This is why it became known as Archimedes Screw. Nature has also found ways to use the spiral to lift things... can you think of any?

POLYHEDRONS (SHAPES OR GEOMETRIC SOLIDS) Plato was the most famous Greek philosopher. He classified geometric shapes; the famous Platonic solids (shown above) are named after him.

16 POLYHEDRONS (SHAPES OR GEOMETRIC SOLIDS) Plato was the most famous Greek philosopher. He classified geometric shapes; the famous Platonic solids (shown above) are named after him. From here Archimedes worked on possible extensions to Plato's work and developed the now famous truncated polyhedrons. They comprise of thirteen different geometric shapes or solids. The most popular (and most loved around the world today) is Archimedes' truncated icosahedron, which gave its form to the football (or soccer ball), an almost spherical surface composed by 12 pentagons and surrounded by 20 hexagons.

17 THE STOMACHION The Stomachion is a curious puzzle game invented by Archimedes. It is comprised of fourteen pieces, cut into geometric shapes (eleven triangles, two quadrilaterals and one pentagon) which can be rearranged in many different ways to complete a perfect square. Its name comes from the Greek word stomachos meaning stomach a tribute to its frustrating nature, what we would call it a brain-teaser the Greeks referred to as a stomach turner. So the Stomachion was considered a tricky but fun puzzle game. Today it is believed that Archimedes was utilizing the game to help his students practice combinatorics, a branch of mathematics that studies the combination and arrangement of objects of networks. Archimedes determined that these 14 pieces could be combined in an astonishing 17,152 different ways to complete a full square! How many of them can you make?

19 ANCIENT ROME, BUILDING AN EMPIRE... As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day. Rather, it was the result of a series of discoveries and innovations in the fields of architecture and engineering. To understand this important scientific period we have studied the works of Marcus Vitruvius, author of the only known Roman text that has survived to the present day. Vitruvius' works deal specifically with architecture and the science of engineering and weaponry and is an incredible source to draw upon for knowledge of ancient machines and structures. We wish to bring to light the full extent of the Ancient Roman contribution to modern life. When we think of the Romans, we think of the city of Rome and of the great constructions still present throughout Europe: aqueducts, ports, amphitheaters, entire cities, libraries and city squares. Building an Empire is therefore the most appropriate subtitle to describe the activities available in this section of the exhibition. The foundations of modern architecture and city design are founded on Roman knowledge, which improved greatly upon the Egyptian and Greek civilizations which preceded them. Roman Arches, structures present in the most iconic Roman buildings from aqueducts to the Colosseum are also omnipresent in our modern cities worldwide. Building a Roman Arch is a fun and educational engineering activity to keep even the youngest visitors engaged and entertained. We also take a look at the science behind some of the incredible mechanical war machines which allowed the city of Rome to become the capital of one of the largest empires in antiquity. Topics covered: engineering, architecture, physics, Art and geometry of mosaics.

ROMAN ARCH Predating the Roman Empire, arches were an important architectural element in civilizations as far back as the Etruscans and Mesopotamians.

20 ROMAN ARCH Predating the Roman Empire, arches were an important architectural element in civilizations as far back as the Etruscans and Mesopotamians. However, the Romans perfected the structure and made it a truly universal architectural element. Although the arch appears quite simple in its form, it is build using a wooden frame or 'skeleton' around which the blocks are built up, one atop another from the ground to its apex using the wooden frame for support. Once the final trapezoidal block (known as the keystone) is placed at its apex joining the two sides, the pieces become locked together and the wooden frame can be removed with the arch still standing strong..

BALL BEARINGS When you try to rotate the top disc, you will notice how easy it is to make the disc spin. This is because of a series of wooden balls resting in a track underneath the disc.

21 BALL BEARINGS When you try to rotate the top disc, you will notice how easy it is to make the disc spin. This is because of a series of wooden balls resting in a track underneath the disc. When the disc is turned it is rolling on top of the many balls. Imagine trying to drag a sled across the ground, it will be much harder than pulling a cart on wheels - the same science is at work here. Without the balls underneath the disc it would be hard to turn because of what is known as frictional force. Ball bearings can be used in many ways to reduce the frictional forces acting on machines. Ball bearings are still an important part of many machines today..

23 ABOUT OUR SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS

WORKBENCHES The Eureka - Interactive History of Science Exhibition for children contains two types of interactive models; those which are free standing on cross shaped plinths and the workbenches.

24 WORKBENCHES The Eureka - Interactive History of Science Exhibition for children contains two types of interactive models; those which are free standing on cross shaped plinths and the workbenches. The workbenches have a standard size: 44cm x150cm x63cm(high) (17 x60" x25 high). The free standing models have a standard dimension of 50cm x50cm x86cm(high) (20" x20" x34"high). Each of the scientific activities on the workbenches are hand crafted and vary in size. The workbenches (one for each theme: Archimedes, Leonardo, and the Romans) all have optimal dimensions and have been purposefully designed to arrive in easy to assemble pieces with easy to follow instructions. The workbenches can be quickly assembled on site by your or our staff. We advise exhibiting the workbench's informative panels alongside them to assist younger children, while older children might like to try their hand at free form construction or assembling shapes and machines limited only by their own imaginations. Each Eureka workbench measures 44cm x150cm x63cm(high) (17 x60" x25 high)and has been specially designed to resemble a carpenter's workbench for children!

SAMPLE EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES The exhibition

activities and worksheets which can be produced

25 SAMPLE EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES The exhibition comes with a series of fun electronic educational activities and worksheets which can be produced in house and provided to visitors and school groups. The sheets are all in A3 format 297 x 420mm (approx x 16.5 ) In descending order: Color in: Da Vinci's Robot Drummer, Discover the path to Da Vinci's famous portraits and color in: Mona Lisa.

Detail of a plinth: Each plinth is specially designed to hold an exhibit

26 OTHER FREE STANDING EXHIBITS Detail of an interactive model on a plinth: This model can be touched, moved, pulled apart and re-assembled. Detail of a plinth: Each plinth is specially designed to hold an exhibit at the optimum height for children and a descriptive label (sample label shown).

27 Two interactive exhibits on free standing plinths demonstrating the various uses of flywheels.

28 A sample of other exhibits in the exhibition designed to teach complex scientific concepts in a simple and fun way.

On the right are a series of gemetrical shapes

29 Shown on the left is Leonardo da Vinci's anemometer a scientific instrument for measuring wind speed. On the right are a series of gemetrical shapes descibed by Archimedes which are important for engineering.

OUR SHIPPING AND PACKAGING SERVICES From many years of experience in crafting and shipping exhibitions to museums and science centers we have developed high quality packaging methods for delivery by

These exhibitions are available to rent by educational institutions worldwide and come with over 50 interactive educational activities, graphic panels, worksheets and spare parts.

30 OUR SHIPPING AND PACKAGING SERVICES From many years of experience in crafting and shipping exhibitions to museums and science centers we have developed high quality packaging methods for delivery by air, sea or from local ports by truck. With our innovative packaging design, the logistical costs are hugely reduced with the option of self-assembly at the venue eliminating set up costs completely. These exhibitions are available to rent by educational institutions worldwide and come with over 50 interactive educational activities, graphic panels, worksheets and spare parts. WORLDWIDE SHIPPING EASY ON SITE ASSEMBLY DESIGN OF EDUCATIONAL PANELS, CAPTIONS AND DISPLAY UNITS (FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION) DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF CHILDREN'S CATALOGS AND ACTIVITY ALBUMS An example of our specially constructed transportation crates for the Eureka exhibits. Each case measures 200 x 100 x 100cms (80" x 40" x 40" approx.) and is constructed from fire retardant wood compliant with airfreight and sea-freight requirements.

31 EXHIBITS LIST CAM HAMMER LDV ANEMOMETER LDV INCLINOMETER LDV FLYWHEEL WITH SPHERES LDV FLAT FLYWHEEL LDV WEIGHTED FLYWHEEL LDV LANTERN MECHANISM LDV UNIVERSAL SCREW LDV LINEAR TO ROTATIONAL MOTION LDV CHAIN LDV PULLEY LDV INCLINED PLANE LDV BALL BEARINGS (WITH 3 BALLS) LDV JACK LDV GEARS LDV GEARSHIFT LDV MULTIPLE GEARS LDV ESCALATOR LDV HYDROSTATIC EXPERIMENT ARCH INTERACTIVE SPIRAL ARCH MERRY GO ROUND (3D PENDULUM) ARCH HOLOGRAM ARCH MECHANICAL PARADOX ARCH PYRAMID WITH COUNTERWEIGHTS ARCH LEVER ARCH HELLENISTIC PULLEY ARCH ARCHIMEDES SCREW ARCH TORSION BALLISTA EXPERIMENT ARCH STUDY OF MIRROR REFLECTION ARCH AIR TURBINE ARCH WATER TURBINE ARCH FOUNTAIN ARCH PRESS SCREW ARCH BALL BEARINGS ROM ROMAN PULLEY ROM AUTOLOCK MECHANISM ROM SPIRIT LEVEL (WITH WATER) ROM ODOMETER ROM MODELS ON THE WORKBENCHES ARCHED BRIDGE LDV CONSTRUCTION BLOCKS LDV COMPASS LDV TRIANGULAR PIECES BRIDGE LDV POLYHEDRONS ARCH PLATONIC SOLIDS (3D SHAPES) ARCH THE STOMACHION ARCH SPIRALS ARCH ROMAN ARCH ROM PAPER FOR DRAWING THREE WORKBENCHES LDV= MODELS FROM DA VINCI ROM= MODELS FROM ANCIENT ROME ARCH= MODELS FROM ARCHIMEDES

32 PHOTO OF THE EUREKA INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS FOR CHILDREN

36 The Eureka - Interactive History of Science Exhibition for Children covering the major eras of scientific innovation throughout history is divided into three engaging themes: Archimedes and the science of the Hellenistic Era, Ancient Rome Building an Empire as described by Marcus Vitruvius, and Leonardo Da Vinci - the greatest genius of the Renaissance. Modular exhibits and educational workbenches along with learning materials for each theme create an easy and fun platform for STEM teaching. This unique hand crafted interactive historical exhibition developed by the Niccolai Group (Founders of the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci in Florence) has been created in consultation with leading academics and professional educators and is ideal for school groups, children of all ages and their families. With a focus on fun, interactive learning in the fields of science, mechanics, physics, mathematics and engineering, The Eureka - Interactive History of Science Exhibition for Children is the exhibition where the next generation of young scientists can experience their first Eureka moment!

Over 500 years ago a very talented man said Water is the driving force of all

Over 500 years ago a very talented man said Water is the driving force of all nature. You may know him as the mastermind of the first flying machine. Or maybe you remember a painting that we have all admired