Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

By Lexi Hoffman

Illinois’ youngest citizens are invited to dive into a world of discovery and exploration as the Children's Museum of Illinois (CMOI) and Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) have partnered to develop a captivating new water exhibit that unravels the fascinating path water takes from raindrops to the vast expanse of the Gulf of Mexico, all while shedding light on the crucial impact water has on agricultural and transportation systems.

The anticipation is unmistakable as September approaches, approximately when the Children's Museum, located in Decatur, Illinois, will unveil this eagerly-awaited addition. Stretching an impressive 20 feet in length and 4 feet in width, the new water table promises to offer young explorers an even more immersive and enlightening learning experience than ever before.

At the heart of the exhibit lies the intricate start of the rain system, an interactive feature where children can power water clouds, igniting the captivating cycle of water's journey. With a simple wish for rain, they will witness as water cascades down onto agricultural fields, simulating the very beginnings of the water's path. From there, the water will meander through the simulated 'Illinois waterway system,' encompassing locks and dams, barges, and a realistic representation of the Gulf of Mexico as its ultimate destination.

To enhance the educational value of the exhibit, the design includes additional features that allow children to actively participate in the learning process.

They will have the opportunity to load and unload cargo ships on the waterways, gaining an understanding of the vital link between the Illinois waterways and the transportation methods used within them. This hands-on interaction will undoubtedly emphasize the significance of water transportation in our world, fostering a deeper appreciation for the essential role it plays in our daily lives.

The Children's Museum of Illinois has long been celebrated for its interactive and engaging approach to education, catering to children ages 2 to 10 years old. The existing water table has been a cherished highlight among young visitors, captivating their curiosity and imagination. However, the upcoming new exhibit, larger and more informative, is poised to elevate the learning experience to unprecedented heights, inspiring a thirst for knowledge and fostering a sense of wonder about the natural world and its interconnected systems.

Executive Director Rikki Parker, bubbling with excitement, expresses her profound gratitude for the partnership with the Illinois Soybean Association, which has made this ambitious endeavor possible.

“We are really excited that this opportunity arose and that we are able to do this really, really cool partnership,” says Parker. As she reflects on her time at the museum, she describes the upcoming water exhibit as one of the most remarkable projects she has been involved in since assuming her role. The unwavering support from ISA has played a pivotal role in fulfilling the museum's overarching mission of enabling children to learn through play, encouraging curiosity-driven exploration, and sparking lifelong interests in science, nature, and the world around them.

As the days count down to the grand unveiling, Parker eagerly anticipates the moment when children will first encounter the wonders of the new water exhibit. "I can already see the kids' smiles and excitement," she says. The exhibit's carefully designed educational experiences are poised to leave a lasting impression on young minds, inspiring future generations of thinkers, problem solvers, and environmental stewards.

“The Illinois Soybean Association is proud to partner with the Children’s Museum of Illinois for this exciting new addition,” says Claire Weinzierl, ISA Communications Manager. “Farmers understand that waterways are critical to Illinois’ infrastructure to move their products to end users and we are pleased to help bring this education to children across the state, to ensure they grow up to be informed consumers and help them understand where their food comes from at an early age.”

The new water table represents a remarkable step forward for the Children's Museum of Illinois, a testament to the organization's commitment to providing exceptional learning experiences for children. With the exhibit's official debut on the museum floor, visitors of all ages will have the chance to immerse themselves in the wonders of water, its journey from raindrops to the Gulf of Mexico, and the profound impact it has on our interconnected world. As the museum continues to ignite curiosity and cultivate a love for learning, this ambitious water exhibit will undoubtedly stand as a shining beacon of exploration and discovery for years to come.