On Feb. 1, one of the Betty Brinn Childrens Museums’ most popular exhibits, the Super Service Center, will re-open with all-new educational enhancements made possible with a grant from the Jerome J. and Dorothy H. Holz Family Foundation.

The pretend automobile technician’s shop exhibit premiered at the Museum in 2004, offering an engaging setting for children to explore commerce and careers, while building important academic and social skills. The Museum’s commitment to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education guided the development of the new interactive activities in the Super Service Center.

The shop’s new features include a refurbished kid-sized car on a hoist, where children can role-play as a technician while changing the tires – using a realistic-sounding pneumatic driver – and sliding under the car on a creeper to change the muffler and tailpipe. In addition to checking under the hood to add fluids, a new engine diagnostic tester will now enable children to check the alternator, starter, battery, spark plugs, water pump and air filter. Results will show if a component needs replacement and prompt children to visit the added parts department. A new desk with touch-screen computer activity allows children to match and locate the numbered part in the system and learn more about its function to the vehicle. Photo murals, costumes, license plates and a filled tool chest, along with work orders and a working telephone at the service center’s desk, add to the role-play and provide opportunities for children to work together in the pretend business. Signage in English and Spanish will guide caregivers to help maximize the learning in STEM education, build early literacy and social skills, and encourage children to explore careers.

The exhibit is free with Museum admission. The Museum is open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon until 5 p.m. Museum admission is $7.50 per person and $6.50 per senior (adults older than 55); children younger than 1 are free.

More information is available at www.bbcmkids.org or by calling 414-390-KIDS (5437).

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