The South Florida Science Museum
Turning Kids on to Science, Nature and Discovery

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For over 42 years, The South Florida Science Museum has provided millions of visitors an opportunity to experience the wonders of science and technology, astronomy and natural history.

The museum is the headquarters for fun and exciting science education in our community. Children from all over the county (more than 35,000 a year) come to the center with their teachers for hands-on science lessons; the museum’s Education Outreach program brings science to thousands more children in their schools; teachers come to learn about teaching science; and families bring their children (40,000 a year in addition to the student groups!) to explore the wonders of science together.

The Museum has a staff of dedicated teachers and professionals, who find joy in watching children as they discover the joy of learning about the world around them. Even adults, who come to learn how to teach science to their students, get turned on and amazed, just like the students they take their knowledge back to.

Thirty years ago, the last time the museum was renovated and expanded, The South Florida Science Museum was considered state-of-the-art, and used to be a model for museums of it’s size around the country. But time has passed and Palm Beach County is ready for a modern museum, one that welcomes residents and visitors with the latest and greatest in Science.

“We knew that our present facility could not measure up to the future needs of a society that depends on science for just about everything. We decided to replace the existing center with a whole new building, and that is what we are working toward,” said Jim Rollings, the museum’s president.

Some of the exhibits to come:

Giant Screen Theater, and Planetarium
Restaurant to feature displays on importance of healthy foods, featuring a healthy menu, making the restaurant a learning experience and an environmentally friendly place.

Aquariums:
Just as in nature, the aquariums will start shallow with a coral reef exhibit, and move to deep water exhibits. The 36,000 gallon coral reef habitat tank will contain marine life native to South Florida’s unique reef environment. The 50,000 gallon ocean habitat tank for larger fish, sharks, and exotic and native ocean species. Children will love the deep-dive ocean vessel replica – they will feel like they are in a real submarine with controls to manipulate, portals to the ocean tank, and an underwater camera and claw to operate.

Besides the aquariums, there will be many opportunities to learn about Florida’s unique ecosystems, weather, geology and archeology.

The Everglades:
Florida’s Treasure will depict and interpret the important aspects of this unique ecosystem. An indoor diorama and interpretive area will be combined with an outdoor living everglades habitat. Weather in Florida’s Sub-Tropics exhibits will explore the subtropical weather phenomena unique to South Florida: The Gulf Stream, hurricanes, lightning, UV radiation, and waterspouts. Florida’s Prehistory, Fossils and Early Human Habitation will feature a Mastodon Skeleton unearthed in Palm Beach County.

There will be many other exhibits: hands-on interactive exhibits that teach and illustrate basic scientific principles; health and the human body; Children’s Discovery Center where preschoolers will learn through play; and a changing exhibit gallery.

One of the most exciting exhibits: The Airport Control Tower. Located on the third floor, it will overlook the Palm Beach International Airport. Indoor and outdoor areas will allow visitors to observe airplanes landing and taking off. The exhibit will include a simulation of the airport control tower, radar simulations, Doppler radar, and audio of control tower-pilot conversations.

Of the $42 Million needed to build and equip the Science Center, about $18 Million has been pledged. With many opportunities for giving, both large and small, Palm Beach County should get behind this new museum.

In the meantime, the existing museum offers great exhibits and family-friendly events.

Current Exhibits you must see:

“Zing,” an interactive exhibit featuring “Science that spins, bounces and flies,” arrives in January. One of the exhibits: a bike on a balance beam, the bike is weighted so it can’t fall off the beam, and courageous visitors will want to give it a try.

“The Science of African-American Inventors,” showcasing the scientific and technological contributions of hundreds of creative African-American thinkers from past to present.

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