The Building for Kids Children’s Museum (BFKCM) is expanding by 1,000 square feet with the opening of Power Up, a new energy and sustainability exhibit sponsored by U.S. Venture. Located in a newly constructed first-floor gallery, Power Up features several interconnected components that introduce visitors to energy systems, sources, and how their decisions impact the community.
At the center of the exhibit is a dynamic model of Appleton that comes to life as children and families engage with energy stations throughout the space. By activating a wind turbine, clearing clouds to power solar panels, or converting cow manure into renewable natural gas, families spark visible reactions in the city model.
“Power Up gives families the opportunity to explore the evolving world of energy and sustainability in a way that is hands-on, collaborative, and deeply connected to their own community,” said Oliver Zornow, President of the BFKCM. “As they play and explore, families begin to understand how their choices connect to and influence larger systems.”
In addition to the Appleton city model and energy stations, Power Up includes a Transport Time Trial, where families can experiment with variables and design choices to race vehicles down a track. Visitors can also explore the Circular Economy Decision Tree, a choose-your-own-adventure experience that reveals how waste can be transformed into sustainable, marketable products.
“U.S. Venture and the U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation invested in the Power Up exhibit because hands‑on learning in early childhood helps build curious, capable kids and stronger communities,” said Greg Vandenberg, Director of Giving and Community Engagement for U.S. Venture. “The exhibit also helps tell our story—showing how U.S. Venture’s people and products support transportation, energy, sustainability, and the systems that keep everyday life moving.”
Power Up will open to the public on Saturday, May 30. To celebrate its opening, the BFKCM will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 29, followed by an opportunity for members to preview the exhibit before it opens to the public.
About the BFKCM
The BFKCM has been inspiring discovery and building resilience through intergenerational play-based learning and exploration of the arts, sciences, and humanities since 1992. For more information about the BFKCM, including its programs and events, visit www.buildingforkids.org.
