All Experiments Always Work All Experiments Always Work

All Experiments Always Work

All Experiments Always Work … and Look Inviting

All Experiments Always Work … and Look Inviting Albrecht Beutelspacher www. mathematikum. de

Mathematikum: the idea Interactive exhibits + visitors = experience, understanding, pleasure

Mathematikum: facts 180 interactive exhibits on 1200 square meters Open every day (except december 24, 25, 31) Between 120. 000 and 160. 000 visitors each year n young and old, groups (40%) and private visitors, families Quality of visits n n long visits visitors come back with their friends Entrance fee: 7, 50 €, reduced 6 €, family 15 € Running costs are in balance About 80 people are working in the Mathematikum

Basic Philosophy We take science (mathematics) seriously n The scientific phenomena are most attractive in themselves We take visitors seriously n The visitor may choose the experiments she/he is doing, the time she/he is spending, the level of understanding We provide a „nice“ environment n n n The building is clean and „new“ All experiments work Explainers are ready to assist

Three important phases of an exhibit Long before an exhibit is on the floor: n n Thinking, Designing, … You can actively work on the exhibit. Before an exhibit is on the floor: n n Construction , … You can influence the stability of an exhibit. When an exhibit is on the floor: n n Maintenance, … You can only react.

Long before an exhibit is on the floor Planning and designing is essential What is the core of a phenomenon? n n What can a visitor possibly experience? What can be the central part of the exhibit? Be modest (realistic) n n A visitor spends 2 – 5 minutes at an exhibit. One can only get a tiny bit of the whole theory. Make sure that she/he gets this tiny bit.

Long before an exhibit is on the floor Make the exhibit as simple as possible. n n Look for methods which make intuitively clear what a visitor should do (and what not). Avoid „background technology“ (e. g. structures for stability) which looks more interesting than the actual experiment. We use a clear color concept n Colors (red blue, yellow, …) (only) for parts the visitors play with.

Before an exhibit is on the floor Construction process n Extensive discussions between designer and workshop Highest quality of work Best materials n not necessarily „heavy“ materials.

When an exhibit is on the floor At day 1 (in minute 1) you see what is not working. Frequent control Frequent exchance of used parts Have spare parts ready Have an inhouse workshop n Make your workshop to know all exhibits Remove non-working exhibits immediately

Last, but not least: Continuous improvement Also small things count n n n Material Magnitude Position in the room Re-arranging parts of the exhibit Label …