A few years ago, my fifth grade gifted and talented students completed a unique research project. Specifically, we sent letters to museum directors asking for input about one object,
artifact, work of art, or a creative selection from their museum's collections. The selection could be a personal favorite, possess significant cultural relevance, be a "best" example of
its kind, tell a story, promote a new idea, or expose students to a new experience.
The purpose of the project was to provide resources for interdisciplinary learning, to present opportunities to think in new ways, and to enhance subject matter with activities that promote
creativity and provide cultural relevance. Most directors were eager to participate, and many provided supplemental information and resources. Their thorough responses are best
characterized by the words of one director, "Thank you for reaching out."
Below are the four questions we asked. (Since some respondents have moved on to different institutions, I share only the museum position, instead of the person's name.)
May's object of the month is from The Strong, National Museum of Play. The Collections Manager answered our questions as follows.
(Excerpt)
Selected Object: Tickles the Monkey, Prototype for Tickle Me Elmo, 1993
1. What information and essential
understandings should students know about your selection?
Tickle-Me-Elmo had a long history before he appeared on any store shelves. Toy inventor Greg Hyman created the toy based on a simple idea of a toy that laughed when squeezed or tickled. Hyman
created many designs for the toy and finally created this prototype – a model of the toy made from things he had readily available in his home. The prototype is
important because it helps others to visualize and understand the idea. Most often, the final product is very different from the prototype, as inventors find many challenges along the way and
problem solve by making changes here and there. Tickles the Monkey evolved into other shapes (including Warner Brothers Tasmanian Devil) before finally emerging as Elmo on store shelves.
Toy manufacturers thought Taz was an easily
recognizable character but didn’t seem quite as friendly as others. Eventually, Elmo was chosen as he is a common favorite among many, many children and is known to be quite friendly and lovable.
The combination was a hit, and in 1996 Tickle-Me-Elmo enjoyed tremendous success, bringing that contagious laughter to the lives of children everywhere.
In the years since—even to this day— Tickle-Me-Elmo has remained in production and has even grown to include other variations of the toy such as Jumbo Tickle-Me-Elmo , Sesame Street Tickle Me Ernie Extreme T.M.X.
Friend, and Kitzel Mich Samson, a
German version of Tickle- Me-Elmo.
2. What questions would you ask students to stimulate curiosity and/or creative thinking about your selection?
• Have you ever wondered how an idea becomes a toy or product?
• How long do you think it takes for an idea to reach the final stages of production/store shelves?
• What original ideas/inventions have you thought of that you would like to see made/produced?
• Have you ever tried to invent or build a toy/product from an idea you’ve had?
3. Do you have any suggestions for incorporating your selection into a specific subject?
Tickles the Monkey is a great way to demonstrate:
• Perseverance
• Creativity
• Discovery
• Invention
• Science (Greg Hyman loved science and electricity as a kid, and would advertise lessons with him where his classmates could “learn to invent!”)
• Electricity
• Trial And Error
4. Are there other resources to help us learn more about your selection?
Many of the items mentioned are available through our online collections, complete with photos, dates, and manufacturer information; some include brief essays about the items.
