Press Releases

Back

K'NEX Inaugurates New Traveling Exhibit "K'NEXTECH"

Boston Museum of Science's "Media Family Day" Provides Occasion

Hatfield, PA - October 10, 2001 - K'NEX Industries, one of the world's leading construction toy manufacturers, announced today that it will inaugurate K'NEXTECH, its new traveling museum exhibition, at Boston Museum of Science's "Media Family Day," October 13, 2001, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This special invitation-only gathering offers members of the press and their families the opportunity to experience technology at play with the new K'NEX interactive exhibit. The K'NEXTECH exhibition will remain on view through January 2, 2002.

Exploring the principles of engineering and building, K'NEXTECH focuses on the science of simple machines to show how human beings have adapted the incline plane, gear, lever, pulley, and wheel and axle to serve modern technological purposes. An introduction to Simple Machines is the first stop on this unique tour where viewers are encouraged to explore why things move, what forces cause motion, and how force multiplied by the distance an object travels equals work. At the next station, parents and kids learn how simple machines were adapted from work to play through Toy Technology. In this section, push and pull toys are used to demonstrate that wheels and axles provided children with their first play opportunities. Exploring the power source used by toys, visitors see its evolution from rubber bands and springs, to batteries and electricity, to solar power, remote control, and computer programming. In the final diorama, Space Exploration, visitors are asked to spot the simple machines present in modern space exploration projects such as the Hubble Telescope, the U. S. Space Shuttle, and the International Space Station.

"K'NEXTECH offers a hands-on collection of mind-bending activities for the inquisitive of all ages," said Norman Walker, President and Chief Operating Officer of K'NEX. Mr. Walker continued, "this unique exhibit offers the opportunity to appreciate modern technology's origins in the simple machines that have been with us from time immemorial."

At the K'NEXTECH building stations, children can let their imaginations run wild and construct simple machines or complex K'NEX models of any size and shape. They'll have fun while strengthening their sorting and fine-motor skills. Each visitor over the age of 5 can build a 16-piece Space Shuttle and take it home--FREE! More elaborate models can be purchased based on the model's weight.

K'NEXTECH will be on exhibit through January 1, 2002, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday through Thursday; Fridays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and during extended hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., December 26 to January 2. The Boston Museum of Science is closed on Thanksgiving Day and on Christmas Day. Admission to the exhibit halls is $11 for adults and $8 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and up. For more information, please call 617.723.2500 or 617.589.0417 (TTY) or visit the Museum on the web at www.mos.org.

Founded in 1992, K'NEX Industries was formally established to make and sell what has become one of the world's leading integrated construction systems for children. Winner of over 150 international awards and recognitions, K'NEX seeks to build young minds with its exciting product line and critically acclaimed K'NEX Education program. For more information, consumers can visit www.knex.com or call 1-800-KID-KNEX.

One of the world's largest science and technology centers, the Boston Museum of Science takes a hands-on approach to science, attracting over 1.7 million visitors a year through its vibrant programs and over 550 interactive exhibits. Founded in 1830, the Museum was first to embrace all the sciences under one roof and encourages visitors to learn science by practicing scientific thinking skills. It has been awarded several National Science Foundation grants and has profoundly influenced exhibit development at other major science centers. Additional information about the Museum of Science is available at www.mos.org

###

Contact:
Melissa Fogarty/Beth Mosher
LITZKY PUBLIC RELATIONS
(201) 222-9118
email: mfogarty@litzkypr.com

About K’NEX Brands

Founded in 1992, K’NEX Brands, the world’s most innovative construction toy company, was established to make and sell what has become one of the world’s leading integrated construction systems for children. Winner of over 200 international awards and recognitions, K’NEX is America’s building toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love, and encourages youngsters to “imagine, build and play.”  For more information, please visit www.knex.com.