By Joseph P. Cox, Museum of Discovery and Science
The changing climate poses increasing threats not just to the environment, but to the physical and mental health of children. While resources exist to help older children cope, there is little available to support younger children and their caregivers in building resilience. That’s why a groundbreaking initiative, Caretakers of Wonder, was created.
Led by Madison Children’s Museum (MCM), Caretakers of Wonder is harnessing the power of children’s and science museums to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards through joyful, empathetic connections with nature. The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is a partner in Caretakers of Wonder, which aims to equip museum professionals with innovative tools and age-appropriate frameworks for engaging young children and their families amid the growing climate crisis.
Over two years, a nine-museum cohort, which includes MODS, has developed a pioneering Climate Action Playbook — a first-of-its-kind guide for cultivating qualities like wonder, resilience and environmental stewardship in children from birth to age 8. Created alongside experts spanning neuroscience to climate psychology, the Playbook offers an empowering lens to joyfully connect kids with nature.
“The Museum of Discovery and Science is a leader in climate resilience education. We are thrilled to be leading this national network, creating new educational resources with eight other museums across the country,” said Brenda Baker, vice president of exhibits, facilities and strategic initiatives at Madison Children’s Museum.
The consortium includes MODS, MCM, Chicago Children’s Museum, Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon, Discovery Museum (Massachusetts), KidsQuest Children’s Museum (Bellevue, Washington), Louisiana Children’s Museum, National Children’s Museum (Washington, D.C.) and The Wild Center (New York).
The project team has also produced a comprehensive toolkit sharing insights, best practices and success stories aimed at catalyzing broader climate action within communities. By openly disseminating these resources, Caretakers of Wonder hopes to inspire families and museums nationwide.
As a founding member, Fort Lauderdale’s MODS has played a key role while amplifying its own sustainability impact through a Climate Smart grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This funding enables MODS and partners to model bold climate leadership through actions like conducting emissions audits, charting “Net Zero Pathways” with efficiency upgrades to slash carbon footprints, assessing vulnerabilities to sea level rise and extreme weather, and developing robust Climate Action Plans.
By emphasizing the necessity of tangible actions to reduce our environmental footprint and promote climate education, MODS underscores its commitment to fostering a sustainable future. The museum recognizes the pivotal role that children’s and science museums play in amplifying the voices of the younger generation, inspiring hope and collective climate action. Through initiatives aimed at lowering environmental impacts and sharing educational resources, MODS aims to cultivate environmental awareness from an early age, paving the way for a more sustainable tomorrow.
Backed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and other funders, Caretakers of Wonder is preparing an ambitious six-year expansion, enlisting hundreds more museums through regional training cohorts, mentorship and resource sharing.
As this climate learning cycle grows, so will the ability to nurture rising generations as environmental caretakers and change-makers. By connecting children with the joy and wonder of nature, the project aims to instill resilience and compassion to confront humanity’s defining challenge.
Join this catalyzing movement: support climate education at your local children’s and science museums. Together, we can ensure kids and caregivers build compassion, knowledge, agency and hope to meet the climate challenge with resilience and wonder.
Joseph P. Cox serves as the president and CEO of the Museum of Discovery and Science.
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