The Tech Challenge Gallery
The Tech Challenge Gallery, Inspiring the Innovator in Everybody
Now Open
How many of you are aware of The Tech Challenge? Well, The Tech Challenge is a program with a long tradition at The Tech Museum - beginning back in 1988. Once a year, fifth through twelfth graders gather at The Tech Museum for a day-long event in which they compete in teams with devices they have built to solve real-world problems. In the true Spirit of Silicon Valley, these teams are given the opportunity to create solutions, test their devices, sometimes fail, try again and learn during the process.
This Gallery will highlight The Tech Challenge and basic principles of fundamental science and the building blocks for technology. There are 20 on-going hands-on science experiments which teach the essential principles. Each exhibit has one video explaining the basic science behind fundamental laws of nature. Examples include: how magnets work; making a battery, designing a pump, and using a pulley, subjects which are part of the curriculum standards for Northern California.
The centerpiece of attention - the "test rig" for The Tech Challenge competition - will provide an unforgettable landmark that anchors the gallery. The gallery will also provide a place where students can daily test their design solutions for challenges.
The science exhibits in this space are unique, comprised of simple videos of youth explaining basic science concepts in their own words. Outfitted with large vertical video monitors and directional sound spaces, the gallery design is iconic and unmistakable: the user has participated in the explanation and the exhibit does not have any labels.