SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The Museum of Science and Technology opens the microchip exhibit “Deconstructed” in collaboration with Micron.
When designing the display, the museum wanted to present technology in a way that both kids and adults can understand. By simplifying concepts such as semiconductors and memory processors, museum officials say this exhibit helps separate the museum from other competitors such as the zoo and the newly-approved aquarium.
“I think this is a really exciting opportunity to show people it is complex and revolutionary,” Director of Education and Curation Emily Stewart said, referring to the exhibit’s technology. “But it’s also something that you can learn, and it’s possible to learn and you don’t have to have any particular skill set to start to learn.”
The exhibit also includes the Skill Bar, which has videos from current Micron employees as the company tries to help foster the next generation of STEM workers.
“These [are] really accessible videos that introduce young children to what these [STEM] careers can look like, in a way that’s really accessible and fun for them,” Stewart said.
Daniel Hayden, a teacher in the Clyde Savannah School District, believes the design of the Micron exhibit was really helpful in better understanding the technology people use everyday.
“I think that the exhibit is designed in that way, you have… buttons for kids to press and things for them to watch,” Hayden said. “But also, you have these really great displays, with wonderful displays of information that as an adult, I’ve been learning so much.”
Although the exhibit opened on Thursday, the museum will incorporate new elements and update the display’s statistics as the industry changes. One section of the exhibit called “Inside a Chip,” is scheduled to open for a preliminary experience this weekend.
