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NOW OPEN AT THE HEALTH ADVENTURE!

Enter the wonderfully puzzling world of Mindbender Mansion, an eclectic place full of brainteasers and interactive challenges guaranteed to test the brain power and problem solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers. Visitors to this fun and quirky mansion are invited to join the Mindbender Society by gathering hidden clues and secret passwords scattered throughout the various thematic rooms of the house. The clues and passwords are revealed by solving select brainteasers and group challenges. Visitors are encouraged to think outside the box and collaborate with their fellow mansion guests to meet individual and group challenges, which include manipulating a tilt table, forming patterns in rolling chairs, keeping up with a conveyer belt, maneuvering a flying machine, and disco hopscotch spelling. Adults, families, children and school groups alike will enjoy exercising their minds as they try to master each of the 40 individual brainteasers and the five large-scale group activities in this fun and unconventional exhibit!

Mindbender Mansion Teacher's Guide (PDF)

SCIENCE/EDUCATION CONTENT:

Math, science, and technology educational content are woven into the puzzles, videos, and group challenges found inside Mindbender Mansion.  At the heart of the exhibit is the essential scientific task of problem solving and critical thinking. The puzzles are an excellent tool for explaining mathematical and physical science concepts.  In order to solve these puzzles, visitors must identify patterns, think ahead, use logical reasoning, and look at the problems from different perspectives, setting aside preconceived ideas. The videos in each of the four Clue Vaults explain neuroscience-based principles, and tell the story of several inventors who have used problem solving skills to come up with new solutions to old problems.  Additionally, the popular group challenges require communication, collaboration, leadership, and teamwork skills – skills that are critical in solving the challenges facing today’s businesses and communities.

 THEMATIC AREAS AND EXHIBIT COMPONENTS:

	Entry – A large media screen introduces Mr. E., who explains some key features of Mindbender Mansion and how to become a member of the Mindbender Society. Pick up a clue card to keep track of clues as you solve the select puzzles that lead to membership in the Mindbender Society.
	Parlor – 10 individual Brainteasers—3 of them provide clues toward joining the Mindbender Society.
	Library – 6 individual Brainteasers—3 of them provide clues toward joining the Mindbender Society.
	Kitchen –4 individual Brainteasers and 1 large-scale group activity, Feeding Frenzy, where teamwork is necessary to fill as many T.V. Dinner trays as possible on a moving conveyer belt within a specified amount of time. 3 of the Kitchen activities provide clues toward joining the Mindbender Society.
	Map Room – 4 individual Brainteasers and 1 large-scale group activity, the Amazing Maze, where up to 4 players work together to manipulate a tilt table and guide a ball into six holes in the allotted time. 3 of the Map Room activities provide clues toward joining the Mindbender Society.
	Disco Room – At the full-body Spelling Fever, teamwork is necessary to spell a minimum number of correct words within a limited amount of time by hopping on letter squares.
	Dining Room – In the full-body Move and Match, up to 8 players maneuver rolling chairs into correct color patterns.
	Rec Room – 18 individual Brainteasers and 1 large-scale group activity, the Flying Machine, where 4 players work together to move a mechanical “flying machine” over six targets in sequence within a specified amount of time.
	Wall of Fame – Now it’s time to see if you’re eligible to become a member of the Mindbender Society. If you’re invited to join, you can take home a certificate with your personalized picture and see your portrait go up on the Wall of Fame!

Mindbender Mansion was produced and is on loan from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland, OR.