Sensory Play
This program can include any activity that stimulates a child’s senses: touch, smell, taste, movement, balance, sight and hearing. Sensory activities facilitate exploration and naturally encourage children to use scientific processes while they play, create, investigate, and explore which can lead to longer attention spans and focus in addition to improving their coordination and motor skills.
Experiments take place each Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. and is included in general museum admission.
Focus: Black History Month: Memphis Edition
In our Black History Month celebration, we are focusing on Memphians who have made an impact on our city and our lives.
February 4 and 6: Made to Measure
- Focusing on a Memphis icon, Ira Bodden, known as a meticulous tailor, he founded the Bodden Tailoring Company on Beale Street in 1947, impacting many students in the Tri-state area. This sensory play activity lets children learn how to measure a straight line and use yarn to measure curved and irregular shapes.
February 8: Sources of Electricity
- Joyce McAnulty Blackmon was an educator with 20 years of experience in the school system before becoming the first African American woman vice president at Memphis Light Gas and Water. Today’s activity shows children how electricity can light up a city.
February 11 and 13: Flower Arranging
- Flora Cochran sold unique floral arrangements from her floral shop, Flora’s Flower Shop, Memphis’s first Black-owned floral business. Following Ms. Cochran’s love of flowers, we’re exploring everything from planting a seed to arranging flowers giving children opportunity to be creative and express what they like – plus have a finished project in the end.
February 15: We all Scream for Ice Cream
- Alfred L. Cralle may not be a household name, but when you hear of his invention, you will be glad of his contribution. Although not from Memphis, Mr. Cralle invented an item every Memphian loves: the ice cream scoop. This sensory activity uses sight, touch and smell, as we make a dough, scoop it into cups and decorate our perfect ice cream cone.
February 18 and 20: Pharmacy Role Play
- Charles Champion learned a lot about folk remedies from his grandparents. He became a pharmacist and opened Champion’s Pharmacy in a low-income neighborhood. He was affectionately known as the “Herb Doctor” and was labeled one of the “50 Most Influential Pharmacists” in the United States in 1997 (American Druggist). Children will have the opportunity to grind herbs and use a bit of math skills as they role-play being pharmacists.
February 22: Growing Bacteria and Germ Spreading
- Alexander Bisso practiced medicine in Memphis for 55 years and helped found well-baby clinics throughout the city. He was recognized for his work on infectious diseases and his 37 years of volunteer work. Using our sense of sight and touch, we will watch our DIY “bacteria” grow and how it spreads from person to person.
February 26 and 27: Shadow Screenwriting
- Although Jamey Hatley was born in Louisiana, Memphis has marked and claimed her as our own. This screenwriter is quoted saying, “Memphis is a city that is happy to let you think you know exactly what it is.” With light and animal cutouts, we will explore spatial awareness while creating a storyboard.
March 1: Sculpting
- Frank Hayden Jr was born in Memphis but settled in Louisiana, teaching drawing, sculpture aesthetics and art appreciation. His creations are displayed in churches, synagogues, banks, college campuses and museums. With a bit of model magic and pipe cleaners, we’re experimenting with different art styles as children explore their creative sides.
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