What motivates kids to take multiple programs at the Minnesota Zoo? What makes Minnesota Zoo programs so comfortable and engaging that some kids just keep coming back? How do these experiences support kids’ interest in animals and wildlife conservation? The Minnesota Zoo (MN Zoo) offers over a dozen educational programs for youth tailored to encourage exploration of “what makes the MN Zoo tick.” After 10 years of programming for hundreds of youth, a cluster of youth return again and again to learn more about animal care, wild wildlife conservation, zoo work, and volunteer opportunities
Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites (Storyland) brings seven beloved picture books to life in a 1,500 square foot exhibition at the Minnesota Children’s Museum (MCM) from September 2011 through early February 2012. Designed and developed by MCM through an IMLS grant, Storyland is aimed at children newborn through 8 years old and the adults in their lives. The books featured in the exhibit include: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (Potter), If You Give A Mouse A Cookie (Numeroff), Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Martin and Archambault), The Snowy Day (Keats), Tuesday (Wiesner), and Where’s Spot?
The University of Central Florida (UCF) received funding from the National Science Foundation through the Informal Science Education program (# 0638977) to create a series of exhibits entitled Water's Journey through the Everglades (Water's Journey). The project deliverables included ten kiosks integrated into an expansion of the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in Fort Lauderdale, FL, with the new exhibition areas opening in November 2011. The kiosks model aspects of Florida's ecosystems and natural history, highlighting the natural balance of the Everglades and the interplay between
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Susan FoutzKara HershorinUniversity of Central FloridaMuseum of Discovery and Science