We’ve all heard of the hero’s journey, but have you heard of the character journey? That’s what children ages 8+ are encouraged to embark on at the Museum of Discovery and Science’s (MODS) new Build a Better World: The Future Begins with You experience.
My 9-year-old nephew and I had the chance to preview the exhibit just before it opened to the public this past weekend. While the interactive Everglades Theater, Mangrove Mangal Climber (perfect for kids with energy to burn!) and Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Coral Reef Habitats have been open since spring, the newest phase of the exhibit focuses on four key areas of the character journey: caring, cooperation, critical thinking, and confidence.
To kick off the experience, each guest receives a custom wooden barcoded “Resilience Leaf” which they can scan at each Build a Better World station as they weigh choices, test ideas and make decisions that have the potential to affect South Florida’s habitats and communities.
At these stations, guests can design a climate-resilient city that considers the needs of all the people and animals who share the land or discover how their own character strengths can help them contribute to a healthier environment. The Solutions Showcase highlights climate technology and local innovation, including 3D-printed living seawalls and innovative heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology. Guests can see how engineering and biology work together to strengthen environmental resilience and explore solutions to local challenges.
The Build a Better World character journey wraps up at the Pledge Wall which builds on what guests have learned about themselves throughout the exhibit. After scanning their resilience leaf one more time, guests can decide whether they want to change the world with a ripple, a splash or a wave by selecting a local opportunity offered by a Broward Hub for Resilience Education partner and pledging to participate. Activities include dune restoration, tree planting and beach cleanups.
Going back to the Everglades Theater, I was personally very excited to meet Lilly, an AI-powered otter who introduces guests to South Florida’s ecosystems through colorful displays and interactive conversations. The theater itself is a beautiful addition to MODS with seating for (tired) parents and plenty of space for kids to interact with the projection walls and Lilly.
Just across the museum is another exciting addition for older elementary and middle school students, the reimagined FPL Storm Center. It now includes three new experiences: the Command Center, Get Prepared, and the Hurricane Simulation Lab (which was not yet open during our visit). Young guests can explore the science behind hurricanes while discovering what it takes for local communities to prepare for, respond to and recover from extreme weather.
In the new FPL Command Center, guests use weather data, satellites and drones to help make decisions about safely restoring power after a storm. It’s real-world problem-solving with plenty of South Florida relevance. My nephew was fascinated. So was I!
We also got to explore the science and technology behind weather forecasting and communication. At the WSVN News Station, kids can step in front of the camera and take on the role of a weather reporter, translating changing conditions into information that can help a community prepare.
MODS’ new exhibits are interactive, educational and genuinely engaging for older kids (and the adults tagging along). We’re already considering a museum membership so we can come back and explore even more this fall!
Tickets are available at mods.org/tickets.
MODS is open seven days a week, 365 days a year; Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Museum ticket prices are $29.50 for adults; $27.50 for seniors 65+; $26.50 for active/retired military personnel; $24.00 for children 1 to 12. Museum of Discovery and Science is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312.
Visit modernbocamom.com for even more seasonal things to do with kids! And be sure to subscribe to Modern Boca Mom’s weekly e-newsletter for local freebies and more.
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, an award-winning lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida parent. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
