Cade wins at Homeschool Architecture Program!

This year was the first year that we participated in the Achitecture by Children (ABC) program. The theme this year was for the kids to design their own museum. They could either build their museum out of things like boxes, toilet paper rolls, foam board and the like or they could submit 2-D floorplans for their museum. Our original plan had been to build the museum but when Cade sat down with me and told me what he wanted on each FLOOR of the museum (he had 3 floors in his head) we opted to go the 2-D route. Although his idea of a pontoon boat ride on the thrid floor was a bit unrealistic, his overall plan was pretty impressive, especially when you consider he just turned 6 years old. He even included a piece of countertop that looked like alligator skin and green paint chip samples. I guess all those museum visits he has made in his short life have had an impact on him. He was so cute when they announced he won, he went running up to the architect that was our advisor looking for his "prize". He didn't realize that it just meant that his project got to move on to the finals at the downtown library! Jacob designed a basketball museum, Grant a baseball museum and Emily a sculpture museum. They were all so proud of Cade they didn't seem to mind that their projects didn't advance in the competition.

His project will be on display at the Main Library downtown Cincinnati for the next week. If you live in the area it might be fun to go check the museums out. All the winning entries from all over the area will be on display. The overall winner will be picked on April 25th with awards presented on April 29th!

Here are his plans:

Cade's Crocodilian Museum
My museum would include:
Display area for all 23 Crocodilian species which would include life size models, photographs and detailed information on AMERICAN ALLIGATOR, CHINESE ALLIGATOR, SPECTACLED CAIMAN, BROAD-SNOUTED CAIMAN, JACARÉ CAIMAN, BLACK CAIMAN,,CUVIER'S DWARF CAIMAN, SCHNEIDER'S DWARF CAIMAN, AMERICAN CROCODILE, SLENDER-SNOUTED CROCODILE, ORINOCO CROCODILE, AUSTRALIAN FRESHWATER CROCODILE, PHILIPPINE CROCODILE, MORELET'S CROCODILE, NILE CROCODILE, NEW GUINEA CROCODILE, MUGGER, ESTUARINE CROCODILE, CUBAN CROCODILE, SIAMESE CROCODILE, AFRICAN DWARF CROCODILE, FALSE GHARIAL and INDIAN GHARIAL

Interative Habitat Area with Map: Did you know...? Crocodiles are found in 91 countries in the world - 51% of all countries. These 91 countries have a combined human population of 4.7 billion people (in 1999) which is 78% of the total world population. 3 out of 4 people have crocodilians living in their country. Sit in a crocodile's nest, navigate through the Everglades on a boat and encounter "mock gators".

Interactive Anatomy Area: including such items as live sized alligator, caimen and crocodile jaws side by side for comparision. Also Taxidermied animals for examination.

Crocodilian Conservation Area: Displays on the importance of conservation and reasons to stop hunting and poaching.

Tanks with rehab crocodilian

Learning Lab: offering classes and workshops on crocodilian

Restrooms

Croc Cafe: restaurant featuring family friendly menu and reasonable priced refresments. Includes picnic area for families that prefer to bring in their own food.

Gator Gifts: gift shop featuring crocodilian related merchandise. All conservation concious!

Crocodilian Themed play area

Vending area with tables

Office Space for Museum Staff