"It's fun to see so many people animated by the process of discovery," says Ray Grant, director of programs and guest experiences at the museum. "There's a great spirit of discovery in inventive play. I think we all have an obligation to play, and through play to discover what our world is all about."

He hopes people take away the idea that "anyone can be an inventor."

And what might they invent? What does the world need next? At the exhibit, guests — young and old alike — have a chance to write an idea for an invention on a Post-It Note and stick it on the wall. "At the end, we will go through them all, pick one and see if our staff can come up with a version of it," says Bellomy.

Some might be more challenging that others. On opening night, these were among the suggestions: a car that runs on happy thoughts, windshield wipers for glasses, a two-level, 24-cupcake transporter, food that makes people smart.

One child would like broccoli that tastes good; another wants a car than can fly. A senior citizen would like a talking pillbox that could remind you to take your medicine.

Other ideas include a thing to let you see through walls; self-refrigeration cars; a tube you can stand in and turn into anything you want; a transportable, battery-powered baby food blender.

Somewhere down the road, we may see some of these things. Maybe they will be made by kids who visit this exhibit. Maybe those kids will go on to do other things.

But at the exhibit they have a very good chance of learning two important things:

"A mind once stretched by a new idea," said Oliver Wendell Holmes, "never regains its original shape."

And, "to invent," said Thomas Edison, "all you need is a good imagination and a pile of junk."

If you go

What: Invention at Play

Where: Discovery Gateway, 444 W. 100 South

When: Through Aug. 31

How much: Free with museum admission, which is $8.50 for Utahns, $9.50 for others; group discounts available.

Phone: 456-5437

Web: www.discoverygateway.org

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E-mail: carma@desnews.com