It’s an eco-extravaganza in April at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS)! Learn all about the Earth, sustainability practices and our planet’s beneficial and playful inhabitants. Weekends this month include Build a Better World Activities, Food Forest Tours & Tastings, Breakfast with Our Otters, Ladybug Releases and more that will foster a love and appreciation for the world around us.
“April is one of our favorite months at MODS as we focus on our home planet and how to care for and sustain its curious creatures,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “Guests will learn about wildlife diversity, ecosystems maintenance, beneficial plant practices and more through thought-provoking STEAM-based programs and activities.”
Get ready for an eco-extravaganza during MODS’ Build a Better World Weekends on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Sundays, from noon – 5 p.m. Dive into Florida’s unique coastal ecosystems, meet its fascinating wildlife and design solutions to protect endangered species. Build an eco-friendly bus stop with LEGO® bricks or craft an Eco House using LEGO® SPIKETM kits. For the youngest nature lovers (ages 0-6), it’s all about LEGO® brick habitats, exploring Florida’s ecosystems and discovering the importance of safe havens for animals. These activities are free with Museum admission. To get tickets, please visit mods.org/tickets.
Science never tasted so good! Brace yourself for a botanical adventure like no other during MODS’ Food Forest Tours and Tastings on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and on Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Take a tour of the MODS Food Forest and explore the fascinating world of sustainable gardening and permaculture. Uncover the art of cultivating your very own food forest right at home by identifying plants that thrive in our tropical climate. Get ready to leave no stone unturned in the quest for garden greatness – it’s a green dream come true! Tours are 30 minutes with a 15-minute Q & A immediately following. This is free with Museum admission. To get tickets, please visit mods.org/tickets
School is out, but MODS’ Camp STEAMology: Into the Earth is in on April 10! Children ages 5 – 10 will get their hands dirty by exploring the soil of our environment. Learn about the layers beneath the Earth: soil, limestone and clay, and fabricate different soil types for plants to grow. Campers will learn about the Florida aquifer system and build their own aquifer testing materials that separate and filter sediments and pollutants. Presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, one-day Camp STEAMology sessions cost $60 for members and $70 for non-members. Aftercare tuition is $15 per child. For a multi-child discount, save $10 off the total by using code “10off” at check out. Registration is required at mods.org/camp.
Experience “otter” joy with MODS’ resident North American river otters, Peach and Toosie! MODS’ signature Breakfast with Our Otters on April 13 at 9 a.m. features a mingling opportunity with the darling, playful and charismatic river otter duo accompanied by the Life Sciences team. This event includes a breakfast spread, an otter talk, a training session, enrichment activities and a special guest appearance by Joey, the Museum’s otter mascot. This signature program also includes Museum admission, an IMAX® documentary and an original otter painting. Cameras are welcome. The cost is $75 per person and space is limited. Pre-registration is required at mods.org/otterbreakfast.
Ladybug, ladybug fly away…right into the MODS Food Forest to stay! Be part of the colorful and beneficial Ladybug Release, presented by Truly Nolen, on April 27 and 28 at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. During the release, guests will explore the role that insects, especially ladybugs, play in the environment and how they impact humans. Registration is required at mods.org/ladybug.
Learn more about our planet’s wildlife and conservation efforts in a variety of stunning IMAX® documentary films, including Back From The Brink: Saved From Extinction, Blue Whales, Great Bear Rainforest: Land of the Spirit Bear, Jane Goodall: Reasons For Hope and more now playing at the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater. Showtimes for these films can be found at mods.org/showtimes.
Children can also visit and investigate underwater marvels in MODS’ latest traveling exhibit, Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures, running through May 19. “Seas” the day and embark on the legendary Nautilus submarine with Captain Nemo for an interactive journey of underwater exploration! The exhibition was created and developed by the Australian National Maritime Museum, an Australian Government entity. Flying Fish manages the exhibit tour. It is locally sponsored by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. For more information, please visit mods.org/voyagetothedeep.
For more information about MODS’ April programs and special events, visit mods.org.
