Big Discoveries. Little Changemakers

Published: October 27, 2026

From protecting local habitats to restoring power after a hurricane, new experiences at MODS show children how caring, cooperation, critical thinking and confidence can make a difference.

What if a child’s curiosity about an animal, a beach or a hurricane could become the first step toward helping their community?

At the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in Fort Lauderdale, Build a Better World: The Future Begins with You, a new permanent exhibit, helps children follow that curiosity and discover how their own strengths can make a difference.

Across the 7,500-square-foot gallery, families interact with Lilly, an AI-powered North American river otter in the immersive Everglades Theater, ascend the soaring Mangrove Mangal Climber and explore Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Coral Reef Habitats. Children discover how mangroves protect communities from storm surge and provide homes for marine life, while learning about coral reefs and restoration efforts.

Now open, Build a Better World connects learning about nature with caring for the communities where families live, play and explore. The exhibit is rooted in four character strengths: Caring, Cooperation, Critical Thinking and Confidence. Guests practice and build these strengths as they work with one another, weigh choices, test ideas and make decisions that support people and the planet.

The character framework is made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Fostering Character in Children’s Museums initiative. As Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education, MODS connects these discoveries with opportunities for families to take action in their communities.

Learning about environmental issues can feel overwhelming for children, but hands-on discovery can help them see how their actions can make a difference. Build a Better World helps them recognize that they can contribute to solutions. By practicing caring, cooperation, critical thinking and confidence, children learn to approach challenges with hope, adapt when an idea does not work and take meaningful steps to help their community.

Children can design a climate-resilient city that considers the needs of people and animals. LEGO® Build the Change activities invite them to imagine stronger communities, build their ideas and explain their designs. At the Solutions Showcase, families discover innovations such as 3D-printed living seawalls, exploring how engineering and biology can work together to help protect Florida’s communities.

“Children should leave knowing that their ideas matter and that they have the power to make a difference,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “When they discover their strengths, care for the world around them and work together, challenges become opportunities to create change. Build a Better World helps families see that a brighter, more resilient future begins with them.”

That next step takes shape at the Pledge Wall, where guests receive a customized selection of actions based on what they learn about themselves throughout the exhibit. Families can volunteer for projects ranging from dune restoration to beach cleanups with dozens of Broward County environmental organizations partnering with MODS. Children and adults can turn what they have discovered into action in their communities.

Through MODS’ EcoExplorers program, Broward high school students help lead exhibit activities and serve as role models for younger children discovering their own interest in protecting nature.

The learning continues beyond the Museum through MODS’ partnership with Broward County Library. Character Corners at seven regional libraries and Book Nooks at all 37 branches bring character-building experiences to young children and their caregivers. Monthly educator-led programs and storytimes at the Character Corners give families more opportunities to learn together.

South Florida families can explore another dimension of community resilience at the newly reimagined Storm Center, presented by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). Guests investigate hurricane science by building a storm, creating clouds and stepping into a simulator to feel hurricane-force winds.

At the WSVN News Station, guest step into the role of weather reporters, learning how communicating changing conditions can help a community prepare.

Together, Build a Better World and the Storm Center help children recognize their strengths and see how their actions can make a difference. The discoveries continue at home, in their neighborhoods and at local beaches, where families can put their ideas into practice. A day of exploration can become the beginning of a lifelong commitment to caring for people and the planet.