Where Does Inspiration Come From?
Sometimes, it’s a flash of brilliance. Other times, it’s born from necessity. At Imagine’s Science Sensation Family Event at a local elementary school, inspiration came from something even more unexpected — a stack of plastic cups.
In the Science Sensations program, children and families become engineers, explore the scientific process, and conduct experiments to discover the wonders of science. At the cup tower station, kids are challenged to build the highest structure they can using simple plastic cups.
At this event, three young students began building a tower together. With laughter and teamwork, they created a structure ten cups long and knee-high. Beaming with pride, they asked for a photo to capture their accomplishment. More friends joined in, and the tower grew — not just taller, but wider too. With five girls working together, the energy was electric. They celebrated their creation and moved on, leaving behind a monument of collaboration and creativity. They held the group record for the biggest structure of the night.
That’s when a young boy approached the station.
“Oh, that’s so big,” he said, eyes wide.
“Who holds the individual record?”
Before staff could answer, he declared, “I’m going to win the individual record.”
He crouched down and counted the cups. “It’s 19 cups long. I’m going to do 20!”
And just like that, he was off — lining up cups across the floor, carefully stacking one on top of another. Twice, his tower collapsed. Once, another child accidentally knocked it over. But he didn’t give up. He repaired it each time, more determined than ever.
Other kids gathered around, offering to help.
“No, no, just stay back,” he insisted. “I’m going to win the individual record.”
The tower swayed. He steadied it. It fell again. He rebuilt it. A younger boy began handing him cups, speeding up the process. The crowd grew — kids and parents alike.
Finally, the tower stood tall — almost as tall as he was.
With the last cup in place, he stepped back and shouted, “I did it! I won the school record!”
Cheers erupted. His teacher arrived just in time to see the masterpiece. Everyone applauded.
Moments like these — where creativity, confidence, and community come together — are only possible because of you.
Your gifts mean that Imagine Children’s Museum will continue to provide hands-on learning experiences that will build more towers, spark more dreams, and inspire the next generation of dreamers, thinkers, and doers.
Thank you for your commitment to inspire through playful learning.
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