The Descubre H2O project is a meeting place between the different fields interested in science and education: researchers, pedagogues, citizens, schools, companies and administration. In our space, people and human values are at the heart of our mission, with everyone contributing to their care and preservation as a collective responsibility. Families and local communities must be involved in this new collaborative management approach. Incorporating participatory practices ensures that local groups are recognized on the same level as experts. This strategy fosters social cohesion and integrates regional and educational aspects from a holistic perspective.
Education is a social experience where children discover themselves, enrich their relationships, and acquire a foundational theoretical understanding. The space is dedicated to non-formal education, designed to awaken emotions and interest in science. A public space shared by people of different cultures, races, beliefs, ages, abilities and economic level.
We have sought collaboration between multiple organizations to share knowledge, experiences and technology. We use interactivity, games, simulations, and direct observation to communicate scientific principles in a fun and engaging way, seeking personal reflection and promoting scientific vocations among the youngest.
The space is divided into five areas, each focusing on a different concept:
– Acuática (Aquatic). Longitudinal module with circulating water, recycled toys and light elements. It intuitively allows children to learn some properties of water, like buoyancy and surface tension, and simulates various human activities along a river, enhancing fine motor skills. Kids can also paint with water.
– Bosque (Forest). Featuring wood as the primary material, this area introduces modular construction. Children naturally acquire geometric concepts, making houses and cabins with sticks and connectors.
– Luz (Light). Children can experiment with reflections and color that arise when light passes through different elements -refraction and reflection of light-.
– Nido (Nest). A space for rest, breastfeeding, and baby play, although it’s currently missing a dome to be complete.
– Mundo (World). This area features audiovisual projections of diverse landscapes and atmospheric phenomena on a hemispherical dome, enhancing the three-dimensional effect.
Our project Descubre H2O (Discover H2O) has been developed in a preexisting room of the Museum, a space for kids from 2 to 7 years old, which had not been renovated since 1996. We observed that children with special educational needs became restless there, due to the noise, bright lighting, and room capacity (50 people at that time). For this reason, we decided to transform the room into a more inclusive educational environment. With the collaboration of several entities, we have created a place where both children and adults feel comfortable and secure, a place to enjoy quality time with your kids, observing their play and actively listening to connect with them. With water as the common thread, the room Descubre H2O has limited its capacity (10-12 children with their families) and the sound and light intensity. The materials of the space are learning enhancers. The activities, designed as a game, foster scientific and divergent thinking, creativity, self-esteem, and autonomy.
Our objectives are:
– Make the room a safe, inclusive and accessible space for everyone, especially for women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
– Develop responsible recreational activities, aware of the importance of water and sustainability.
– Promote and disseminate science in a playful and participatory way: learn and have fun.
And our main activities:
– Guided school tours for early childhood and primary education.
– Play accompaniment with children and families, explaining how the room works.
– Storytelling, micro-theater, small format concerts and workshops.
In addition to the Museum’s technical staff, several entities have participated in its formulation: Onírica mecánica, a performing arts company exploring the relationships between humans, nature, and technology; Createctura, an educational innovation project utilizing natural and recycled materials, and Circúbica, a company that transforms industrial waste into gaming elements. All of this under the follow-up of the Escuela Murciana de Primera Infancia (Murcia Early Childhood School), which bases its work on a philosophy of respect for early education, understanding that each child is unique and genuine.
Since the project concluded at the end of February, feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, including from educators, scientists, and families. The museum receives a daily average of 50-100 schoolchildren, about 30000 a year, an amount to which the general public adds up to an annual average of 50000 people.
ICOM & SDG
Our project aligns with ICOM’s definition of a museum as we serve society and welcome all audiences, fostering an inclusive, accessible environment that promotes diversity and sustainability.
Regarding the SDGs, we adhere to the following principles:
4. We contribute to developing children’s potential by continuing to educate outside of school and in a fun way. Involving parents in the activities when they bring their children to the museum allows them to share skills and experiences.
5. There are no differential toys, all children have equal access. Our games boost women’s confidence and help them develop scientific careers.
7. The room has an efficient lighting design (LED lights) and low-consumption construction.
10. Our space provides fair and equal opportunities for all, ensuring inclusivity and leaving no one behind. Children with sensory hypersensitivity, ASD, and other learning or sensory disabilities enjoy a peaceful environment to play.
11. Descubre H2O is a public space that, through responsible recreational activities, fosters a robust, healthy, happy, and safe community.
12. The materials used in the space come from recycling or are natural, such as wood.
13. We use affordable and non-polluting energy. The play elements dry naturally, without using machines, and the water from the river module is reused.
16. We value diverse demographic groups, opinions, and beliefs to promote an inclusive society.
17. We seek synergies and foster collaborations among various organizations through joint efforts beyond the classroom.
