As mentioned, Rochester has some unique iconic landmarks. Not least of these is the Strong Museum of Play. As the father of a young daughter, I’m familiar with Strong Museum and a huge fan. Growing up in Philadelphia, I have fond memories of such places as the Franklin Institute and the Please Touch Museum, and am glad we have equally inspirational and memorable spaces for my daughter to run about in and enjoy*.
The second of our presenters from Strong, Scott Eberle is the Vice President for Interpretation at Strong. In his fun and fascinating talk, Scott discusses the science behind play, and discoveries that have been made in recent years that show that play is more than a way of introducing skills to youngsters (such as teaching cats to be hunters), but a way in which individuals can relate and interact with each other in fun and enjoyable ways. Please note, I said “individuals”, not “people”. Play is one of the few universals that traverses and even brings together disparate species! In this interesting talk which spans from exhibits of the French civil war on roller skates to rats giggling when tickled, you’ll learn so much about a subject that should be more important in all of our lives…
Scott Eberle, Vice President for Interpretation at Strong National Museum of Play® , develops exhibits on toys and play, and writes about these topics. His Classic Toys of the National Toy Hall of Fame appeared this month. (Running Press). Eberle is also Acquisitions Editor for the American Journal of Play. His “Exploring the Uncanny Valley to Find the Edge of Play,” which links advances in contemporary neuroscience to the ways we feel about baby dolls, robots, and animated films was released in the Journal in the Fall of 2009.
2 Responses to “Scott Eberle”
Fabulous video! Playing does enable learning. We promote play in education in our website http://www.g4ed.com as well as a monthly newsletter.
We welcome all contributors.
Mary Couzin
Chicago Toy and Game Fair, http://www.chitag.com
Keeping the spirit of play alive is one of the most serious and important grown-up undertakings there is, as Scott and many of those he cites point out. To lose it is to lose most of our capacity for growth and learning. It doesn’t mean we have to be like Peter Pan–the example used most often to denigrate adult play as un-serious. We can be like Einstein, Steinbeck or Viola Spolin (the midwife of modern improvisation).
(For a ‘game within the game’ in Travels with Charley, see Steinbeck’s description of ‘vacillando/vacilidor’)
Thanks for the post!