While our artists are hard at work refining draft designs for the next iteration of our game, Reflo is proud to be part of Riveredge Nature Center's STEM Into Nature event, showcasing the Augmented Reality Milwaukee Waterscape Table.
Dozens of students of all ages engaged with the table, learning how landforms affect water flow (and in turn quality), what it means to be a watershed, how basins interconnect or divide the way for waste or invasive species, and, let's face it, just had a great time collaboratively making interactive formations in the sand.
There's something transfixing about this tactile engagement and the gather-round-friends-to-co-create-something aspect that never ceases to paint smiles on faces young and old. We've observed a magic in this most human of interactions. And we are pleased to share the platform for this experience with audiences throughout our area watersheds in order to foster a greater sense of watershed citizenship.
Citizenship starts with awareness of rights and responsibilities. Awareness ignites upon inspiration. Inspiration sometimes requires an intervention. In this case--something as simple as a sandbox is igniting the imaginations of a new generation of watershed citizens.
Onwards (or should I say, downstream!)!
Come visit--the table will be on display at STEM Into Nature through Saturday, May 5.
Riveredge's talented educators made linkages between not only physical dynamics shown through the table but also human dynamics like Foxconn's application for water and the Great Lakes Compact.
An impromptu visit from some preschoolers proved that the table is also a huge draw for Riveredge's youngest guests. They loved making it rain!
The joy was unmistakable written across the faces of youth who enjoyed creating craters, mountains, islands, rivers, lakes, and plateaus.