By Lance Cutrer, Museum of Discovery and Science
What does it take to create the next generation of environmental stewards? The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in downtown Fort Lauderdale has an answer: learning through play!
Over the last few years, MODS has become a leader in advancing environmental sustainability education in South Florida and is now turning up the volume on its endeavors to inspire the next generation of leaders, scientists and engineers to have a deep connection to and understanding of the natural world. The Museum is doing this by using a tried-and-true method: fostering an environment where children and adults learn through play. To bring this to life, MODS is collaborating in a powerful partnership with the LEGO Foundation and its flagship sustainability program, LEGO Build the Change.
The LEGO approach to learning through play is supported by decades of research into how children learn. This framework highlights five key characteristics: joy, social interaction, active engagement, iterative thinking and meaningful exploration. These elements ensure that learning is fun, collaborative, hands-on, experimental and genuinely relevant to children. This approach is especially powerful when applied to solving real-world problems through play.
LEGO Build the Change is a first-of-its-kind initiative that goes beyond traditional play by encouraging participants to build with a purpose. It challenges individuals, especially youth, to use LEGO bricks as tools for addressing real-world issues like environmental sustainability and social justice. This initiative not only fosters creativity but also instills a sense of responsibility in museum visitors to contribute positively to their communities.
At the heart of LEGO Build the Change initiative is sustainability. LEGO has taken significant strides to reduce its environmental impact, and this commitment resonates deeply with MODS.
The Museum has long been a champion of environmental awareness and education, offering exhibits and programs that explore topics such as renewable energy, biodiversity, conservation and climate change adaptation. By partnering with LEGO Build the Change, MODS has expanded its reach and impact, engaging visitors in interactive activities that emphasize sustainable practices and inspire them to become environmental stewards.
These special activities inform guests of all ages about specific environmental issues and then challenge them to use LEGO bricks to build solutions. From creating innovative solutions to support the habitats of South Florida’s threatened species like the Florida panther and sea turtles, to reimagining a more climate-resilient bus stop, visitors are encouraged to play and use the LEGO bricks to tell their stories of positive change.
But it doesn’t just end there. The main purpose of LEGO Build the Change is to advocate for these ideas in the real world, making them become real through the voices and solutions of children. The MODS team makes sure that each build is recorded on the LEGO Build the Change website as a potential world-changing solution.
The collaboration between LEGO Build the Change and MODS highlights the transformative power of partnership in advancing educational goals and promoting positive environmental change. By combining the creative fun of LEGO with the educational expertise of the Museum, our collaboration creates a synergy that amplifies and inspires future generations to think critically, act collaboratively and embrace innovative change.
To take part in addressing real-world environmental solutions by learning through play, consider visiting MODS, participating in the LEGO Build the Change activities and contributing innovative ideas to collective efforts. Transforming playful learning into real-world impact shapes a sustainable future for all. Your involvement can make a significant difference in fostering a generation committed to environmental stewardship and positive change.
Visit MODS to experience these programs firsthand, and don’t forget to bring your LEGO Minifigures to trade with our MODS team members, as we are an official LEGO Minifigure Trading Site!
Lance Cutrer is the director of environmental sustainability at the Museum of Discovery and Science. He is an education and sustainability professional with expertise in ecology, wildlife and fisheries management and primary/secondary education.
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