Tyler

Families with children of all ages can take part in the 2nd Annual MindFest today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Discovery Science Place.

The event is based on the MIT Media Laboratory festival in which everyday items like kitchen appliances are taken apart then reassembled into sculptures and moveable inventions.

Vel Williamson, Discovery Science Place Marketing Director, is excited about the event. She said her husband may be more excited than she is. He has his tools ready to go, she said.

Last year about 1,000 children and parents participated in what Ms. Williamson labeled a “full day of family-involved fun.” This year’s event will include take-a-parts, minor and major demolitions and build-ups as families recycle items - including a car, air-conditioning units, toasters and blenders - and turn them into art. Volunteers will be on hand to help create and encourage creativity, she said. Stomp rockets will be designed, constructed and launched by participants. Light, shadows and motion will be explored as families create shadow sculptures using lights, motors and a variety of materials. The Tyler Junior College Dance Department will perform a “Shadow Dance” at 11 a.m. as part of the visual perception activities. Even toddlers can participate by drawing shapes in moon sand and creating bubble art. Ms. Williamson said family involvement is encouraged as children experiment with science, math, music, dance and art.

Concessions will be available this year to make sure families don’t have to leave because of hungry children, she said. Ms. Williamson said the event was big last year and will be even bigger this time.

“There are activities for everyone in the family,” Ms. Williamson said. “It’s a come and stay all day type event.”