This year’s Days at the Capital offered the perfect platform to showcase the innovation and educational impact of the Grand Forks Children's Museum. The museum was well represented by Katie Mayer and Betsey Aasen on ECE Day (Early Childhood Education Day) and had a chance to connect with legislators on the importance of early childhood learning). STEM Day included museum representatives, Alyssa Donacki and Robin Riveland (exhibit committee) and was designed to ignite curiosity and foster critical thinking through our exciting exhibit, 'Brains & Trains.'
Brains & Trains brought hands-on learning to life with activities that inspired curiosity and problem-solving for children of all ages. Our interactive presentation featured brain teaser games, alongside an intricately designed train set that encouraged visitors to dive into the fascinating world of circuits, reasoning, and chance.
The train set design was created by the museum's Alyssa Donacki. The set measuring a compact 48 inches by 22 inches, was more than just a miniature railroad—it was a gateway to understanding key STEM concepts. Visitors explored:
how switch tracks create open and closed circuits,
practiced rule-based reasoning with "if-then" logic,
delved into the concept of probability by unraveling the true meaning of a 50/50 chance and,
honed their skills in measuring time and distance.
With eight different track options to navigate, it was as much a lesson in adaptability as it was in physics and math. While there were many lessons to be learned, what truly stood out was the joy and fun of the experience. Through the power of play, participants discovered that learning doesn’t have to be intimidating - it can be fun, engaging, interactive, and even exciting.
At the Grand Forks Children's Museum, we believe that learning through play is the
key to sparking creativity and building a love for exploration and discovery in young minds…all while having fun, making social connections, collaborating and exploring.
STEM Day reminded us of the power of hands-on learning to demystify complex concepts and make education fun and accessible. It was an honor for us to share these experiences with the community and show how STEM can come alive in engaging and meaningful ways.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our exhibit and supported us during this special event. Together, we’re building a brighter future for young minds—one track, one circuit, and one "aha" moment at a time!
By Katie Mayer, Grand Forks Children’s Museum Executive Director
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