The power of play was palpable — and audible — as toddlers engaged in exhibits at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation that served as the backdrop to the “Power of MOXI” annual fundraising event earlier this month.
The event, dedicated to celebrating the impact of MOXI, was set inside the Santa Barbara museum’s Lower State Street location, where the joyful noise of children immersed in hands-on learning showcased the mission and power of MOXI.
“If we are going to raise young people who will change the world, then we have to give them spaces to create, explore and imagine a new future,” said keynote speaker Melissa Wilder, director of academic innovation at Riviera Ridge School.
Wilder spoke about innovation and the importance of raising young people who can change the world.
She shared that creativity has been dropping nationwide since the 1990s, yet it’s one of the top skills that employers consistently seek.
Wilder suggested that the older educational models of rote learning and regurgitation are no longer effective and how we teach needs to advance and align with how students learn.
The best learning environments allow students to “touch, explore and have social interactions that enable them to conceptualize the world,” she explained.
“Students need concrete experiences that they can reflect upon and that help them understand,” Wilder said.
That is exactly what MOXI provides.
“MOXI is an informal learning space where children can choose what they want to learn, following their own curiosity at their own pace on their own terms,” president/CEO Robin Gose said.
“Spaces like MOXI are critical to enhancing children’s learning opportunities because here different types of learners can explore science, technology, engineering, art and math in a safe space to take risks and learn new skills.”
MOXI is also a place for everyone in the community, and Gose shared that accessibility and equitable access remain guiding principles.
In addition to ensuring that MOXI is physically accessible, the museum is dedicated to serving neurodiverse learners.
There’s an “Access MOXI” app that allows families to preview the museum before a visit, in addition to monthly mellow mornings with limited attendance and dimmed lights for a more friendly sensory-sensitive experience.
Every day, MOXI offers sensory backpacks equipped with noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, maps and fidget spinners free of charge upon request.
“All children, regardless of learning styles, abilities, languages spoken or financial means, can experience the joy of learning and playing at MOXI,” Gose said.
MOXI is a member of Museums for All, which grants those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) admission for just $1.
The museum also partners with many local nonprofit organizations offering access to underserved populations, and earmarks scholarship funds for summer camp.
A relatively new program, started this past fall, takes MOXI to select Title I schools that don’t currently offer STEAM curriculum. For six weeks, fifth- and sixth-graders work through engineering challenges brought to them by experienced MOXI staff.
“MOXI staff are encouraged to act as guides for individualized learning, letting children be the driving force for their learning experience,” said Damaris Osuna, MOXI’s campus and outreach manager. “We are giving children the tools they need to become creators, thinkers and innovators, now and into their future.
“This is the power of possibility that all children deserve.”
Amber Kaplan and Jamie Nash served as spring brunch committee chairwomen, and top sponsors included the Zegar Family Fund, Marcia and John Mike Cohen, El Capitan Advisors, Alixe and Mark Mattingly, Kelly and Kevin Almeroth, Bella Vista Designs, Jill and Neil Levinson and Riviera Ridge School.
Officials in attendance included Mayor Randy Rowse, and Viviana Morales and Stephanie Ramirez Zarate representing state Sen. Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara.
