STEAM Exhibit at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA
Problem statement
The Center for Puppetry Arts partners with Title I schools to provide children with valuable educational experiences by hosting puppetry workshops, tours, and performances. However, kids are faced with display cases and informational signs that lack the interactivity and avenues for play that they desire. These exhibits do not fully engage students in exploring the vital connections between STEM and the puppetry arts, leading to a missed opportunity for deeper learning. CPA’s attendance numbers are on the decline as educators opt to visit more engaging STEM focused museums that provide experiential learning. By understanding the principles of situational interest, designers can create exhibits that evoke curiosity and emotional connections, making the learning experience more memorable [1]. Hands-on, exploratory activities not only engage visitors but also enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making learning more dynamic and effective [2]. Our goal is to develop a unique and engaging interactive exhibit that not only captures students’ interest but also fosters a greater understanding of the principles of engineering and design as they relate to puppetry. By addressing this gap, our solution will foster a memorable educational experience for these children, empowering them to see the relevance of STEM in the arts and inspiring an interest in related career paths. [1] R. J. Duan, G. J. Walker, and L. A. Orthia, “Interest, emotions, relevance: viewing science centre interactive exhibit design through the lens of situational interest,” Int. J. Sci. Educ., Part B, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 191–209, 2021. doi: 10.1080/21548455.2021.1938740. [2] A. Bevan, J. Gutwill, C. Petrich, and J. B. S. K. Adkins, “Tinkering: Kids and their ideas,” Frontiers in Education, vol. 5, no. 1, 2020. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2020.00001.
Team members 
Lexi Manchester – facilitator
Shane Kahan – communicator
Mia Leukert – accountant
Will DeGoey – admin
Client
Dr. Kate Fu
UW Madison Mechanical Engineering and Center for Puppetry Arts (Atlanta, GA)