Children’s Museum of Richmond is staying consistent with its mission to engage all children in the power of play with a new exhibit, Bug Squad. Located at CMoR’s Downtown location, Bug Squad combines insect superheroes with scientific facts to create curiosity, encourage play, and to promote a love of learning.
My 6-year-old and I recently checked out Bug Squad and I was so impressed at the opportunities for both play and learning throughout the 8 stations. The Ant Colony Climber and Giant Jumps were my son’s favorites as he loves all types of physical challenges. The Ant Colony Climber takes children through a series of climbing and sliding so they can experience what it’s like to be in an ant habitat. Giant Jumps allows children to jump on a trampoline, simulating the grasshopper’s jumping power.
As an educator, I know how beneficial it is for children to have the chance to move their bodies while learning. In fact, offering a physical response in an educational setting (known as Total Physical Response) is known to help with memory, so the information can “stick” in your brain. So, while my son thought he was simply playing; he was actually learning in a significant way, so that he will be able to apply that information in the future.
Children who love STEM will especially enjoy the Drone Cockpit station. At this station, children play a drone flight game while they are flying through as a dragonfly. As a nod to both building and collaboration, Honey Headquarters allows children to build with yellow, hexagon-shaped blocks. Navigating working with other children, as well as designing a concept and being able to bring it to fruition are both essential skills children will work on at Honey Headquarters.
The 9 characters of the Bug Squad – each a different species of insect – not only teach children about the insects themselves; they also promote positive character traits. For example, Malcom the dragonfly has incredible flying abilities, but his strengths are also being an encourager, leader, and confidence. On the other hand, Mariposa, a butterfly, has the superpower of metamorphosis. Her strengths are in research, as well as being dedicated, and transformative.
I loved explaining the meanings of the various personality traits of the Bug Squad to my son. Sharing with him how being confident would be helpful in sports or at school, as well as how being optimistic or flexible (traits of Dominic, the grasshopper) are important in being a team player, was a simple way to infuse social-emotional learning into our day.
I am always thankful for any chance to work with my children on life skills and develop their character, so despite the fact that this exhibit was actually about bugs, it did serve as a vessel to do just that!
The exhibit is recommended for ages 8 and under, although during our visit I saw toddlers through older elementary students enjoying it. I suggest allowing at least 1 hour for Bug Squad, which is at CMoR Downtown now through August 25, 2024.
