Inspired by the Global Cardboard Challenge, Pop-Up Buffalo is teaming up with the Imagination Foundation, Time Warner Cable, WNY STEM and the Buffalo Museum of Science, to create a pop-up park this Sunday at the Buffalo Museum of Science. The grassroots effort is intended to demonstrate that kids can use recycled and found materials to build fun projects, by using their imaginations, brain power and motor skills. The effort is anticipated to attract between 50 and 70 children, who will all be a part of creating and building.
This initiative is in recognition of Earth Day. The program is titled “What on Earth? An Earth Day Cardboard Challenge”. All of the materials and resources will be available at the event, which is scheduled to take place between 11am and 3pm (second level in Hamlin Hall). The children will be left to their own imaginations when it comes to what they will build, but one thing is certain… all of the creations will be photographed and uploaded to an Earth Day Gallery.
This grassroots ‘Free Play” opportunity is the perfect way to let your child discover the importance of Earth Day, while also recognizing that the most powerful tool available to him or her is the imagination (and that’s free). In the end, the program is intended to unleash a new generation of innovators and problem solvers in the WNY community. It’s important that we encourage these thinkers and builders to reimagine what is possible, and to surpass perceived limitations.
The Imagination Foundation was inspired by the ‘Caine’s Arcade’, which is one of the coolest pop-up achievements that I am aware of. I just finished watching this short film, and I can tell you that if you want to see a feel-good flick, this one is absolutely brilliant. After you watch the feature, you are guaranteed to have a better understanding of what this Pop-Up Buffalo initiative is all about.
The Imagination Foundation was so moved by this film (and the DIY message behind it), that organizers decided to promote similar life lessons that would be, say, Caine approved.
Now it’s time to get your kids inspired by the world around them. There are no Xboxes, or smart phones, computers or TVs… unless your child can build them out of found and recycled objects. And just like Caine’s Claw Machine, what they will soon learn is that anything is possible.
To learn more, and to RSVP to the free event, visit this Facebook page.
Cardboard Challenge!
Sunday, April 24, 2016 | 11 AM – 3 PM | Buffalo Museum of Science | 1020 Humboldt Parkway | Buffalo, New York 14211