New AquaGrove Exhibit at the Museum of Discovery and Science
When you first walk through the doors of the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you are immersed in the sounds and energy of children at play. It is a world of curiosity and possibility, where children of all ages are free to explore and interact with the many unique and dynamic science exhibits, animal collections, shows and labs that fill the 145,000 square feet of open space.
Located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Arts and Science District, MODS serves more than 400,000 people who visit the Museum annually, as well as 90,000+ students on school sponsored field trips. With the museum’s mission being to provide experiential pathways to lifelong learning in science for children and adults through exhibits, programs and films, it is easy to see why they chose AquaGrove to be part of their newest line of educational exhibits and offerings.
On June 21, 2019, the AquaGrove Learn and Grow aquaponics system became the newest member of the MODS family. Led by award-winning science teacher Vincent Newman, a team of Future Farmers of America students from nearby McArthur High School assembled the AquaGrove in just three short hours. Once assembled, AquaGrove provided an introductory presentation to museum staff, reviewing aquaponics and its benefits, features of the AquaGrove and the global issues the system addresses including global warming, water and energy conservation and food security.
While this month marks the first time that AquaGrove has been featured in an exhibit at the Museum of Discovery and Science, it is not the first time that the team at MODS has experienced AquaGrove. As posted in September of last year, executives from the Museum of Discovery and Science were first introduced to AquaGrove by visiting the A.D. Henderson University School in Boca Raton, Florida. Once they saw the impressive display and interaction between the students and the system, they knew it would be a solid fit for the students and families who visit the Museum every day.
In response to the new exhibit Joe Cytacki, VP Programs – Life Sciences and Exhibits, stated, “The addition of the AquaGrove system to the Museum’s makerspace demonstrates the practical application of science in a very real world and meaningful way. Since the AquaGrove is an invention and a prototype, it is the perfect demonstration piece to inspire visitors to use their imaginations to create, design, and build. Additionally, the AquaGrove system supports the Museum’s mission to educate visitors about environmental, conservation, and climate issues.”
Since opening its doors in 1992, more than 10 million people have visited and experienced the amazing wonder that the Museum of Discovery and Science has to offer. AquaGrove is excited to be part of the Museum’s educational programming that reaches a wide variety of people and looks forward to inspiring the next generation to explore the opportunities and benefits of sustainable agriculture and living.