Programs Focused on the Environment
The Building Blocks of Resilience Education
From first steps into science to Beach Cleanups and Sensory-Friendly Sundays, discover ongoing STEM learning at MODS.
Learn More About STEM Programs
The Discovery Spot is open one hour early from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. for MODS Members on Tuesdays*!
Pre-registration is required. First-come, first-served. Limited to 200 members. Members will check in at the Information Desk. Admission is included.
*Subject to change
Join us in the Sprouting STEM Early Childhood Learning Lab, powered by PNC Grow Up Great, where little learners will make BIG discoveries in a space designed especially for the early ages. Upon entering the space, guests are transported to a rich, nature-filled South Florida backyard landscape, complete with native plants and wildlife. They will experience from the perspective of a small insect. Hosted programming in the Lab will include learning through play, hands-on STEM activities, music, story time and more!
DROP IN AND EXPLORE (0-6 YEARS: OPEN PLAY)
Join us for learning through play experiences, socialization time, STEM activities and more!
Offered on: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Offered on: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Members: Free
Non-members: Free with Museum admission
PLAYDATES (0-6 YEARS)
Join us for sounds, shows and friendly engagement!
Music Time Mondays: 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Sing-alongs, instruments, bubbles, puppets and more!
Pop-up Science Wednesdays: 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Interactive STEM demonstrations.
Wiggle Time Fridays: 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Movement, stretching exercises, obstacle courses and more!
Members: Free
Non-members: Free with Museum admission
LITTLE SEEDLINGS CLASS (6 MONTHS-18 MONTHS)*
Join us for this “Caregiver and Me” style program in which your little ones can participate in tummy time and take their first steps in science.
Offered on: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 10:15 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Members: Free
Non-members: Free with Museum admission
Space is limited. First-come, first-served.
LITTLE SPROUTS CLASS (18 MONTHS-36 MONTHS)*
Join us for this “Caregiver and Me” style program with socialization time, circle time and hands-on STEM activities!
Offered on: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: Free
Non-members: Free with Museum admission
Space is limited. First-come, first-served.
*Guests must arrive within the first 10 minutes before the class starts to attend.
NOTE: Sprouting STEM program schedules are subject to change. Please check this page frequently for scheduling updates. Please email booking@mods.org with questions.
Tune into the FREE 2025 Save Our Seas Distinguished Speaker Series, presented by the Save Our Seas Foundation, which features scientists, conservationists, researchers and educators who will share their passion for our oceans in programs designed for Museum guests of all ages.
Miss a discussion? No worries! A few days after each corresponding live stream, each talk is uploaded to our YouTube channel and will be linked below.
| Date/Time* | Topic | Presenter(s)* |
| April 24 6 p.m. (EDT) | Tracking South African Marine Animals | Taryn Murray, instrument scientist at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity |
| May 22 6 p.m. (EDT) | Climate Change & Sevengill Sharks in New Zealand | Alice Rogers, director of the Coastal Ecology Laboratory at the Victoria University of Wellington |
| June 8 6 p.m. (EDT) | Community Shark Conservation in Turks and Caicos (World Ocean Day) | Jillian Morris, founder and president of Sharks4Kids |
| June 26 6 p.m. (EDT) | Angola Elasmo Project | Ana Lúcia Furtado, marine biologist and SHARKPROJECT ambassador for Angola |
| July 14 6 p.m. (EDT) | Mexico’s Critical Shark Nurseries (World Shark Day) | Ramón Bonfil, national research chair for EcoSur |
| August 28 6 p.m. (EDT) | Shark and Ray Research in Cameroon | Ghofrane Labyedh, shark and ray program leader at the African Marine Mammal Conservation Organization |
| September 25 6 p.m. (EDT) | Tracking Guitarfish on Mexico’s Medicinal Market | Bryan Huerta Beltrán, researcher at the University of Southern Mississippi |
| October 16 6 p.m. (EDT) | Critical Habitats and Brain Science in Sawfish (International Sawfish Day) | Ashley Mackenzie Dawdy, a Ph.D. student at Florida State University’s Coastal and Marine Laboratory, and Kara E. Yopak, an associate professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington |
| October 23 6 p.m. (EDT) | Benin’s Threatened Species | Houangninan Midinoudewa, fisheries biologist at the Benin Fisheries and Oceanological Research Institute |
| November 6 6 p.m. (EDT) | Hammerhead Sharks of Nigeria | Lara Fola-Matthews, researcher at the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research |
| November 20 6 p.m. (EDT) | Tracking Shark-Like Rays in Taiwan | Wei-Chuan Chiang, researcher with the Eastern Marine Biology Research Center, Fisheries Research Institute of Taiwan, and Kevin Weng, associate professor of Fisheries Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science |
| December 4 6 p.m. (EDT) | Devil Rays in the Azores | Sophie Prendergast, PhD Student at the Institute of the Sea, University of the Azores |
| December 18 6 p.m. (EDT) | Protecting the Galápagos for Sharks | Pelayo Salinas, co-principal investigator of shark ecology & conservation with the Charles Darwin Foundation |
| January 15 6 p.m. (EDT) | Sea Turtles on D’Arros Island | Jeanne A. Mortimer, biology and conservation researcher |
PLEASE NOTE: A unique Zoom link will be sent to registrants before the event.
*Dates and speakers are subject to change.
Presented by
Dates: December 6
Time: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Florida’s beautiful beaches need your help and we’re ready to make a splash! Join MODS at the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park for a fantastic morning of beach cleanup. Best of all, park entrance fees will be waived for our cleanup crew. It’s a perfect opportunity to make a difference while enjoying the sun, sand and sea.
Our cleanup is suitable for all ages, but it’s especially great for children ages 8 and up. Just a friendly reminder: all our young volunteers ages 16 and under should have an adult chaperone.
Remember to pack your reusable water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray; and be sure to wear closed-toe shoes. Dress comfortably for the beach and the weather and come prepared to have a blast! We’ll provide water, Gatorade and cleaning supplies, but feel free to bring your own gear. Let’s team up and keep our beaches beautiful!
- WHERE: Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park (6503 N Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004)
- COST: FREE
Sponsored by
Date: Last Sunday morning of each month* — September 28 • October 26 • November 23 • December 28
Time: 10 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. with optional IMAX film at 12:30 p.m.
Often on the last Sunday morning of each month, MODS offers FREE Sensory-friendly exploration and activities from 10 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., with the Museum opening early before regular hours.
Guests can also participate in sensory-based activities throughout the Museum to promote social interaction and enhance sensory processing and regulation skills in a natural environment. Activities conclude at 11:45 a.m. and guests are welcome to attend a sensory-friendly IMAX film at 12:30 p.m.**
To create a supportive environment for individuals on the autism spectrum, theater lights will be turned up, sound levels lowered, and all films will be presented in 2D. No trailers will be shown.
Guests are welcome to move around, sing, dance and bring comfort items such as snacks, blankets and small personal items.
Time:
10 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.: Museum Exploration and Activities
12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.: IMAX Film Screening*
Cost: FREE
Preregistration required.
*With the exception of August and November 2025.
**IMAX films are subject to change.
Sponsored by
FREE Community Resource
Discover the NOISE PROJECT, a free app designed as a vital community resource for learning about noise pollution, measuring noise levels and exploring its impact on local environments. Now available on both the Apple and Google Play stores! Search for NOISE PROJECT. The app offers an accessible platform to connect with others and easily delve into the environmental effects of noise.
