Engagement Report

TIME TO DISCOVER Engagement Report Fiscal Year 2018

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE

CONNECTING PEOPLE TO

INS

SPIRING SCIENCE

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2018 BOARD OF TRUSTEES THE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE (MODS) gratefully acknowledges the dedication and support of the following community and business leaders who served on our 2018 board of trustees.*

Kenneth Stiles Chairman Robert B. Lochrie, III, Esq. Vice-Chair

Thomas P. Angelo, Esq. Ronald L. Book, Esq. Heather Brinkworth Cressman Bronson Ryan Cronin

Rick J. Burgess, Esq. Secretary

Jim Ellis

Brian Clay Treasurer

M. Austin Forman

Jonathan P. Ferrando, Esq. Immediate Past Chair Joseph P. Cox President/CEO

Sal Ferradas

Doug Gawrych Wayne Gilmore Madison Gulley Keith Koenig David Kolan Chip LaMarca Wilhelmena B. Mack, Ed. D. John Magee Dominick Miniaci, Esq. Iwan Mohamed Johnathan Robertson Juliet Roulhac, Esq. Erick Strati Jon Swergold, Esq. Nicole Tesser Jean-Pierre Turgot Philip Verde

*As of September 30, 2018.

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Dear Friends,

WHAT A FANTASTIC TIME to be at the Museum of Discovery

and Science. This year, we celebrated strengthened community connections and supported exciting leadership developments and world-class innovation.

We fondly remember 2018 as the year we brought in our visionary CEO, Joseph Cox, who has made an immediate and tremendous impact on our organization and local community. With our goal of finding a leader who would build upon the strong foundation and vision of MODS set forth more than three decades ago by retired CEO Kim Cavendish, Joe is ideally-suited for the role. He is a thoughtful, purposeful innovator with a deep respect for our institutional history and a sharp eye toward the future.

As the board of trustees, we pride ourselves on strengthening our leadership roster with members from throughout the county who represent prominent companies and organizations. We continue to provide meaningful, engaging and fun exhibits, programming and events as experiential pathways to lifelong learning in science. We are difference makers in our community; our programs feed the career pipeline here in south Florida, and our accessibility and inclusion initiatives keep our doors open to all visitors. We’re bringing in more IMAX® blockbusters, and we support MODS with our annual premier events, the fall Gala and the Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration.

With more than 30 years of service to the Museum, my beloved father, Terry Stiles, helped set us on this path to the future. I’m proud to carry forward the generational tradition and commitment to science, education and community partnership through service and by bringing my own children here to MODS just as my dad did for me.

We are thankful for our community, volunteers, leadership and staff for ensuring that MODS continues to provide a long-lasting, positive impact in south Florida and beyond, from early childhood engagement to STEM discovery and ultimately workforce productivity.

With sincere appreciation,

KENNETH STILES

Chairman of the Board of Trustees

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CONNECTING WITH JOE COX IN A CONFERENCE ROOM on the Museum’s third floor overlooking the bustling Grand Atrium, we interviewed President & CEO Joseph (Joe) Cox, who is one year into his tenure at MODS. With the whoosh-shush-hiss of the Great Gravity Clock as an apropos ambient soundtrack, Joe shared insights on what makes him tick and his dynamic plans for the future of MODS. What is your favorite MODS exhibit?

My absolute favorite exhibit is Prehistoric Florida. One of my undergrad majors was paleoquaternary biogeography, the study of ecology at the end of the last Ice Age and how the earth changed as a result. Constructed in 2011, our Prehistoric Florida exhibit shows that years ago, MODS was already thinking about climate change. This is incredibly relevant to the work we do to act as a platform to discuss climate change and resiliency.

In the spirit of our current traveling exhibit, Hall of Heroes, which superhero are you?

I would be the Doctor in Doctor Who due to the educational component. His story began as a figure who travels through time with his granddaughter. Such a clever way to get kids learning about science and history. The Doctor is relatable as a quintessentially British superhero who is not a superhero. And, I happen to have a TARDIS suit!

Describe yourself in one word.

Driven. I’m driven to be the strongest advocate for the Museum and for the city that is my home.

What makes you effective?

I’m passionate about building and furthering collaborative relationships. At MODS, we could not do what we do without strong community partners and supporters.

Describe your downtime.

I don’t take much downtime, but when I do, I read voraciously. Reading is about getting out of where you are and being in another place.

You can go anywhere in the world or throughout space or time. See, I really am Doctor Who!

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Share an interesting fact about yourself.

Up until recently, my immediate family and I lived on four different continents; I am here in North America, my dad was in Africa, my mom was in Europe and my brother was in Asia.

We’ve since consolidated, so now we’re only living in three countries: U.S., Malta and Cyprus.

As a leader, what attracted you to MODS? Over the past 15 years, I went from a brand new startup institution (Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, Fla.), where I was part of the team that helped build it. And, most recently I moved from an incredibly old institution (the EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature in Worcester, Massachusetts) that was founded in 1825. So MODS, by that regard, is a teenager.

Yet it was really the people who attracted me to the Museum. When I came down and met with the board of trustees and the staff, the passion, dedication and enthusiasm for what MODS does and could do came across loud and clear. I wanted to be a part of it.

What is the most rewarding part of your role?

It is beyond rewarding when staff comes up to me stating, “I had this crazy idea…” I love to say that phrase, but more importantly I love to hear it from inspired staff. We are a science museum, so we’re all about actionable ideas.

You visit a lot of other museums and attend many conferences. How does MODS compare?

MODS is by far at the forefront of what is happening in museums. We offer strong programs, immersive experiences and outreach platforms, as well as innovative thinking. We are focused on community engagement and being part of the educational ecosystem. This is on par

with the mindset, resources and budget of much larger institutions. It’s important to realize what a treasure we have here in south Florida, and we’re just getting started!

Where have you made the biggest impact thus far?

Access and inclusion. MODS is uniquely situated among a diverse population in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. Our access programs and inclusion initiatives allow us to be everyone’s communal gathering space, and all are welcome here.

Please share more about how MODS impacts lives and feeds the workforce pipeline.

We have a few hours to really impact children’s lives when they visit. Maybe it’s simply a great day out, but maybe through hands-on activities or exposure to science, each child experiences a spark to build upon. It’s vital that the Museum plays a part in working toward making every child as successful as he or she can be. Through our interactive programs, we support children by developing 21st century skills like problem solving and collaboration. This leads to great thinkers, scientists and community members, and ultimately feeds into the south Florida workforce we need.

Museums are considered to be “places of truth.”

How does this resonate at MODS? This philosophy is about authenticity. Studies show that people believe what they see in a museum as a place of learning and truth. At MODS, we connect people to inspiring science through programming, exhibits and partnerships with leading researchers and universities.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

MODS is growing with our community and its needs. MODS is very much a part of families’ lives, here in Broward and across the nation, as we have engaged and connected with so many visitors throughout the decades. Everyone has a personal memory of coming here on a field trip, seeing the clock, exploring our animal collection, crawling through Ecoscapes, picking oranges or landing a plane. MODS is a solid part of our lives and will continue to have a huge impact on future generations.

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1977

1985

The Museum opened as the Discovery Center, a hands-on museum of art, science and history, in the historic New River Inn in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

1987

The Discovery Center opened and operated a second location on Andrews Avenue with the goal of hosting the Museum’s first national traveling exhibit. This space allowed the Museum to build four of its own traveling exhibits that would hit the road and tour the country: Kaleidoscopes, Chaos, Sea Turtle Tears and Sharks.

The Discovery Center hosted the first nationally-recognized television science personality, Mr. Wizard. Museum Members were invited to an exclusive meet-and-greet session prior to the program.

THE HISTORY OF MODS 2016

2017

2018

The Museum celebrated its 25th anniversary as MODS, including the opening of the time capsule from 1992 and filling a new time capsule to be opened in 2042!

MODS further expanded with the addition of a one-acre physics-focused outdoor Science Park, which brought the Museum to a total of 145,000 square feet of exhibit space.

The IMAX with Laser 4K projection system was installed, filling the six-story-high screen with images of unparalleled brightness and clarity utilizing a laser light engine. The AutoNation® IMAX® 3D Theater is one of only three Certified Giant Screens® in Florida.

ENGAGEMENT AT MODS

10 MILLION + Visitors since opening in 1992 6

401,365 Visitors in FY 2018

33%

Visitors come from outside Broward County

100

Staff members and 300 volunteers

1992

1999

The Discovery Center relocated and re-opened as the Museum of Discovery and Science in our current location. In order to meet the increasing demands for informal science education and cultural experiences in south Florida and after a $35 million capital campaign that included state funding and community support, the Discovery Center secured the land and constructed the new building.

MODS signed an agreement with the Secretary of the Interior of the United States to be the official interpretive site for the south Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. This is the largest environmental restoration attempted anywhere in the world.

MODS opened its STEM Center for Education and Career Development, making it one of the first STEM centers in the country within a science museum with a dedicated team of STEM educators on staff.

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MODS opened its new Eco-Discovery Center wing, doubling the Museum’s square footage and capacity to engage visitors with new exhibit space including Prehistoric Florida and Everglades Airboat Adventure.

This $25 million expansion was generously funded through civic and community support.

145,000

Square feet of exhibit space, including the new Science Park

The Museum’s life sciences team worked with Jean Michel Cousteau to release two nurse sharks back into the wild on a reef off Fort Lauderdale Beach.

2007

2011

2014

Days open every year

2003

30

Interactive permanent exhibits

The Blockbuster IMAX® Theater was renamed AutoNation IMAX Theater in recognition of a major gift.

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Feet is the height of the Gravity Clock 7

APP-TITUDE PROGRAM HIGH ACHIEVERS, TAKE NOTE: The

Museum of Discovery and Science APP-titude program is changing lives. Our high-impact internship exposes high school students to careers in computer science and engineering while preparing them for future jobs, which have yet to be created. Jobs they could help define.

Throughout the program, students advance their knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and engage in a coding, animation and app development curriculum strategically designed to connect them to science and technology at MODS. They amass college credit, volunteer service hours and a stipend, yet the real STEM gem is in the curriculum, which infuses essential skills needed for all 21st century learners. Our APP-titude coursework fosters collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication and problem solving. Positive testimonials and gratitude regularly stream in from students, graduates and parents. In addition to learning gains, they report increased self-reflection, confidence and socialization, improved time management

and resiliency, and an appreciation for opening up their worlds. These “soft skills” prepare graduates to power our community’s workforce. Exemplifying the Museum’s role as a community connector, APP-titude represents a true collaboration between our Salah Foundation STEM Center for Education and Career Development, Florida Atlantic University and Daruma Tech and is generously funded

by United Way of Broward County. MODS gratefully acknowledges Broward County Public Schools and Citrix as important partners.

Since the program’s inception in 2015, more than 150 students earned the title of proud APP-titude graduate. Congratulations to the team of 2018 APP-titude grads, who won the Congressional App Challenge for developing the Museum’s virtual tour and augmented reality (AR) features to help put MODS in the pocket of the world through our app. The students coded these real-world applications, including the AR “targets” seen throughout the Museum and featured on the next page.

MODS IS TRULY RAISING the next generation of science

communicators and STEM professionals, and our community is more informed and enriched as a result.

Ted Myers, parent of APP-titude graduate.

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WHAT IS AUGMENTED REALITY? AT MODS, we source the most current and future channels to connect people to science through engaging technology.

Augmented reality, or “AR,” is an immersive, interactive technology that overlays digital graphics onto an existing environment. By superimposing a computer-generated image (CGI) onto the physical world, AR enriches a visit to MODS and in the near future, will allow multiple visitors in the same exhibit space to have different, tailor-made encounters.

At MODS, we utilize AR to enhance exhibit experiences and to teach our APP-titude students about coding. Most importantly, we exemplify how this learning translates to real world applications by allowing APP-titude students to code the AR targets used throughout the Museum.

AR technology will also enhance the lives and careers of people through virtual experiences. Users can paint walls, engineer a design, run through a training scenario, practice a skill, rearrange furniture, or see how an exhibit looks in one place rather than in another – with no heavy lifting, bulky headsets or clean up needed! Ultimately, AR offers experiences that will make people’s lives easier.

DISCOVER AUGMENTED REALITY AT MODS 1

DOWNLOAD THE “Museum of Discovery and Science” app in the Apple or Google Play stores.

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IN THE MODS APP on your mobile device, select the “Exhibits Apps” button on the main page.

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SELECT AN EXHIBIT AREA at the bottom of the page

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SELECT THE AR BUTTON on the exhibit page.

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POINT your phone camera at one of these AR targets.

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VIEW the AR target on your screen. Tap the AR image on your screen to make it move. Select another exhibit title for a different AR experience.

that corresponds to the name on the target: • Boneyard/Gems & Minerals to activate the dinosaur • Powerful You! to activate the skeleton • Prehistoric Florida to activate the megalodon shark

LOOK FOR MORE AR TARGETS THROUGHOUT THE MUSEUM! 9

DONOR SPOTLIGHT WITH GRATITUDE, we celebrate our major donors* in recognition of their enduring partnership and giving generously to our organization.

DONOR SINCE

DONOR SINCE

DONOR SINCE

1997

1989

2002

PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS

PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS

PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS

DONOR SINCE

DONOR SINCE

2002

LEADERSHIP GUILD MEMBER DONOR SINCE

PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS

1984

BOARD MEMBER

BOARD MEMBER

Sal Ferradas

Erick Strati

PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS

APP-titude Program

STEM educational initiatives

Tourism, marketing and general program support

PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS

General program support and STEM educational initiatives

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Transitional Independent Living (TIL) Program

1983

Presenting Sponsor for Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration

Charles and Ruth Taylor Fund, The Huizenga Fund for Children, Francis J. Crowley Fund and Mary and Alex Mackenzie Community Impact Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, Lawrence A. Sanders Fund to Promote Literacy, Jim Moran Children’s Fund, Donald C. Grobmyer Fund and Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward

DONOR SINCE

DONOR SINCE

1987

2011

PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS

PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS

School is Cool Program and other STEM educational initiatives

DONOR SINCE

Transitional Independent Living (TIL) Program

2013

LEADERSHIP GUILD MEMBER DONOR SINCE

LEADERSHIP GUILD MEMBER DONOR SINCE

PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS

2014

1988

BOARD MEMBER

BOARD MEMBER

Nicole Tesser

Joshua Bass

PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS

PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS

DONOR SINCE

DONOR SINCE

DONOR SINCE

2008

1989

1983

BOARD MEMBER

PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS

BOARD MEMBER

STEM educational initiatives

General program support

Cressman Bronson

PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS

Presenting Sponsor for Gala

General program support

General program support

Philip Verde

PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS

General program support and event sponsor

*Donors who have given $50,000 or more in annual support in FY 2018.

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FLORIDA ECOSCAPES

1,052

Animals from 144 species live at MODS 12

5

Endangered species represented

4

Rescued North American river otters call MODS home

24,000

Pounds of salt used in our aquariums in 2018

10,000+

Sea turtle hatchlings released in the history of MODS

FINANCIALS OCTOBER 1, 2017 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

UNRESTRICTED OPERATIONS REVENUE 5%

$ 7,402,292

6%

5% 10% 53% 4% 5% 6% 5%

• • • • • • • • •

Exhibits/IMAX Programs Store/Concessions (net) Government Corporate Foundations Memberships Fundraising Events (net) Other

UNRESTRICTED OPERATIONS EXPENSES 7% 10%

$ 7,572,179

1% 25%

11%

15% 33%

• • • • • • •

Collections and Exhibits Educational Programs Visitor Services and Theater Administration Marketing Development Membership

*Does not include depreciation - $1,923,289

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PHYSICS IN MOTION Visitors to MODS can now soak up the STEM and the sun at our new outdoor, fully interactive Science Park! On March 23, 2018, the Museum celebrated the ribbon cutting of a 27,000 square foot Science Park, where visitors experience physics in motion with 11 open air, content-rich exhibits. This space further connects people to inspiring science, offering multiple levels of engagement and complexity that ensure visitors learn and grow with each visit. All are welcome in this family-based zone of discovery that aims to engage older children in intuitive, hands-on learning. This expansion was included as part of a $8 million capital campaign for MODS.

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2018 PROGRAMS

8,200+

Staff-led programs were delivered

3,057

Programs delivered in the Museum’s 2018 daily schedule

200

Early childhood Sprouting STEM programs

12,500

Students served in school outreach programs

675

Campers in 2018 summer camps

16

25

Students participated in our 2018 Aviation Academy

12,250

Volunteer hours by 35 APP-titude students

WONDER. CURIOSITY. DISCOVERY. Our programs are designed with these outcomes in mind. Whether onsite, at school or in a local public venue, the Museum’s extensive program offering is curated to engage scientists of all ages and interests. Explore our expertly-planned programs with a visit to MODS or mods.org.

128

Birthday parties celebrated at MODS in 2018

4,800

Students attended 43 overnight camp-ins

3,920

Broward County students reached through BECON television distance learning 17

FISCAL YEAR 2018 PREMIER EVENTS OCT 28 2017

MODS HOSTED JOURNEY TO THE AMAZON, presented by PNC Bank, on October

28, 2017. The gala honored Kim Cavendish, Museum President and CEO (retired February 2018), with the Outstanding Service Award for 30 years of loyal service and outstanding accomplishments. Cavendish led museums since 1981 and, during that time, served as the chief executive officer for Orlando Science Center, the Virginia Air and Space Center and the Museum of Discovery and Science, along with its forerunner, The Discovery Center.

Sponsors included PNC Bank, BB&T, BECON TV, City National Bank, Doubletime Digital, Royal Wine Corp., Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Total Wine & More, Wells Fargo, Zimmerman Advertising, Stiles Corporation, American Express, Berkowitz Pollack Brant, Carnival Foundation, City Furniture, Ellis Diversified, Farlie Turner & Co., Go-Tilt, Grant Thornton, Greenberg Traurig, Gunster, Leo Goodwin Foundation, Republic Services, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, SunTrust, AutoNation, Bank of America, BankUnited, Centuric, Florida Community Bank, GL Homes, Goldcoast Beverage, Harry T. Mangurian, Jr., Foundation, Inc., JP Morgan Chase, Katy and Jon Ferrando, Kim L. Cavendish, Lochrie & Chakas, P.A., Meike and Dominick Miniaci, Publix Super Markets Charities, Ronald L. Book, Stearns Weaver Miller and The Forman Family.

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MAR 16 2018

MODS HOSTED THE 23RD ANNUAL BANK OF AMERICA WINE, SPIRITS AND CULINARY CELEBRATION on March 16, 2018. The event was presented by Bank of America and featured an array of south Florida’s premier restaurants, fine wines, spirits and a craft beer garden enjoyed by approximately 1,800 guests and all proceeds benefited the Museum.

Sponsors included Bank of America, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Doubletime Digital American Marketing & Management, Inc, BB&T, Centuric, City Furniture, Go-Tilt Construction, JetBlue, JM Lexus, Republic Services, Stiles Corporation, Wells Fargo, Cox Media Group.

Additional sponsors included: Advanced Roofing; BankUnited; Joan Barr; Berkowitz Pollack Brant; Brown & Brown Insurance of Florida; Carnival Foundation; Coastal Investments; Joseph Cox; Diligent Concrete Washout; Ellis Diversified; Farlie Turner & Co.; Elizabeth and Sal Ferradas; Elliott Flynn; Goldcoast Beverage; Gray Robinson Attorneys at Law; Grant Thornton; Greenberg Traurig; Greenspoon Marder; Gunster; Christopher Hauser; JetBlue; JM Family Enterprises; Heather Kaminsky; Michael Kimmey; Pooja Kothari; Leo Goodwin Foundation; Leumi USA; Lochrie & Chakas, PA; Katie Lozada Flynn; DMD, Andrew Migliorini; Pilot Steel; PNC Bank; John Knox Village; Jonathan Robertson; Sun Sentinel; SunTrust; TD Bank; Titan America; Wells Fargo and WSVN.

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CIRCLE OF GIVING THE MUSEUM GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES the following donors to our annual giving program in fiscal year 2018 (October 1, 2017, through September 30, 2018.)

Diamond Circle Broward County Board of County Commissioners, Broward Cultural Council Children’s Services Council United Way of Broward County Platinum Circle Bank of America Carnival Corporation & PLC Charles & Ruth Taylor Fund, The Huizenga Fund for Children, Francis J. Crowley Fund & Mary & Alex Mackenzie Community Impact Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward Lawrence A. Sanders Fund to Promote Literacy, Jim Moran Children’s Fund, Donald C. Grobmyer Fund & Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward JetBlue JM Family Enterprises, Inc. PNC Bank Salah Foundation The Jim Moran Foundation Wells Fargo Gold Circle BB&T John H. Rau Space Education Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward Florida International University Christine & M. Austin Forman Holy Cross Hospital State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, & the Florida Council on Arts & Culture Stiles Corporation SunTrust Bank, NA/SunTrust Foundation Zimmerman Advertising Silver Circle Albert E. & Birdie W. Einstein Fund American Express Company BankUnited BBX Capital Foundation

Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors & Accountants Ronald L. Book, Esq. City Furniture Ellis Diversified, Inc. Farlie, Turner & Company, LLC Florida Power & Light Co. Go-Tilt Construction, LLC Grant Thornton, LLP Gunster Helen Ingham Foundation, Inc. JM Lexus Republic Services, Inc. Shannon & Johnathan Robertson Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP The Batchelor Foundation The Franklin Institute The Jones Family Foundation Bronze Circle AutoNation, Inc. Bahia Mar Centuric, LLC Mary & David Kolan Elizabeth & Salvador Ferradas Katy & Jonathan P. Ferrando Florida Community Bank, NA GL Homes Greenberg Traurig, LLP Sara Jeanne & Madison Gulley Harry T. Manguarian, Jr. Foundation John Knox Village of Florida Inc. JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA Victoria C. Kirby Leo Goodwin Foundation, Inc. Meike & Dominick F. Miniaci Publix Super Market Charities, Inc. Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, PA Ultimate Software Visit Florida Copper Circle Advanced Roofing, Inc. Gerald J. Angeli & Connie Chan Anonymous Association of Science Technology Centers Dr. Scott Barr DDS

Holly & Scott Bodenweber Nicole & Cressman D. Bronson Brown & Brown of Florida Inc. Rick J. Burgess, Esq. Linda & Michael Carter Kim L. Cavendish Christine & Alex C. Ceron Shannon & Brian Clay William R. Clayton Coastal Investments Cocktails for Humanity Joyce & Rudyard E. Cooper Joseph P. Cox Buzz & Kenneth Czubay Nancy & Paul Daly Jonathan C. DeLuca Diligent Concrete Washout LLC Sandy & Doug DiPaola Dr. James Doan Judy & Ralph Doering, Jr. John G. Ebenger & Dena Murges Dena & Jim Ellis Meredith & Jason Feder Barbara D. Fleming Christina & Jeffrey Fleming Elliott Flynn & Katie Lozada Fritch Foundation Debbie & Doug Gawrych Wayne Gilmore Gray Robinson Attorneys at Law Greenspoon Marder, PA Polly & Thomas A. Gruber Hands On! Christopher Hauser Barbara & Robert J. Henninger Collette & Gene Herman Timothy Ingham & Julie Pabst Heather Kaminsky Michael Kimmey Kelly & Keith Koenig Pooja Kothari Eileen M. & Charles J. LaMarca Robert Leider Bank Leumi USA Dr. Elizabeth J. Lipkin Brooke & Robert B. Lochrie III, Esq. Lochrie & Chakas, PA Dr. Wilhelmena B. Mack Joseph Majoros & Michelle Davilia Joyce Mauney Andrew Migliorini

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CIRCLE OF GIVING (CONTINUED) Barbara J. & John T. Morrison Peter S. Mozino Foundation Linda & Timothy P. O’Connor Susan & James K. Oppenheimer Abigail & Chris Pendrak Pilot Steel, Inc Samantha L. & Sean M. Riley Lynne & John F. Rizzo Rock-Miramar, Inc. SBA Communications Corporation Mary & Charles Shaw Jill & Stuart Siegel Jason Silberstein Brittany & Kenneth Stiles Debbie & Erick Strati Deborah Stucki Lindsey & Jon L. Swergold Sandra & J. Kenneth Tate TD Bank The GoodCoin Foundation The Rockefeller Group The Shaffer Community Fund at The Miami Foundation Titan America Julia & Michael Tiufekchiev Djename & Jean-Pierre Turgot Vincent Vento & Estelle Pregen Travis Warner & Jason Vincent Lucy H. & Gerald W. Weber Westminster Barrington Foundation Dr. Keith Wintermeyer WSVN Channel 7 Significant In-Kind A Joy Wallace Accolade Wines American Fine Wine Competition Angelo Elia Bakery Bar Aprons Cooking School ArtServe Aruba Tourism Board Aspen Snow Mass Avis Budget Group Azamara Club Cruises Azzure Spirits BandG Barbados Tourism Marketing BBandT Beach Whiskey Biltmore Wines Boatyard Brew Hub Brooklyn Brewery Broward Sheriff’s Office C. Mondavi Café Ala Carte

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Casa Calabria Casamigos Catskill Distillery Chopin Vodka Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills Colorado Symphony Concrete Beach Constellation Brands Coppertail Cox Media CrepeMaker DeHart Spirits/Park Street Delicato Digital Innovations Group Doubletime Digital Drew Rosen EGV Holdings Enovation Brands Espirit Du Vin ETARU Fare to Remember Ferrari Carano Fifth Generation Florida Beer Florida Supercon Florida Travel Francis Coppola Gogo SqueeZ Goldcoast Beverage Gonzalez Byass USA/Vin Divino Google Inc. Graphic Banner Grateful Palate Catering & Events Havanna Healthy Xpress Hotel Jerome Hotel Kabuki IBM Imperial Brands/Marie Brizard Janet & John Ebenger JetBlue John Knox Village of Florida, Inc. Kind Snacks Lagunitas Lona Hotel & Casino Mast Jägermeister Matthew’s Jewelers Melting Pot Millennium Limos Mionetto Mule 2.0 LLC Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery Oak & Cane Padrino’s Cuban Cuisine

Park & Ocean Pernod Ricard Phyllis Samowitz Pizza Craft Polynesian Proud Port Ferdinand Resort Prestige Wine Group Quality Meats Renaissance Marina Hotel Raw Juce Rodney Strong Roho Kitchen Route 2 Market/R.S. Lipman Royal Wine S3 Sam Adams Seasons 52 Shaw Ross Shooters Waterfront Sierra Nevada Sky Thai Sushi SMWE Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Sparkling Bitters Spatch Stiles Family Stillhouse Sun-Sentinel Susie’s Scrumptious Sweets Ten Palms Restaurant at Gulfstream Park Terlato Artisan Spirits Timpano Total Wine & More TravelHost Elite Travel Pleasure Trinchero Venice Magazine Wagner Family WBGG BIG 105 WFEZ Easy 93 WFLC HITS 97.3 Where Morris Visitor Publications WHYI Y 100 WLRN Radio WMIA 93.9 MIA WRMF 97.9 WSVN TV7 XV Beacon Hotel Yellow Magazine YOLO Zyr Vodka

THE LEONARDO DA VINCI SOCIETY was established by the Museum of

Discovery and Science in 1993 as a prestigious group of individual donors whose involvement reflects a shared belief in the advancement of science education.

Discoverer Level Sara Jeanne & Madison Gulley Shannon & Johnathan Robertson Explorer Level Ronald L. Book, Esq. Sandy & Douglas DiPaola Janet & John G. Ebenger Jim Ellis Elizabeth L. & Salvador Ferradas Christine & M. Austin Forman Victoria C. Kirby Mary & David Kolan Linda & Timothy O’Connor Brittany & Kenneth Stiles Deborah Stucki Julia & Michael Tiufekchiev Inventor Level Derick Ali & Juliet Roulhac Gerald J. Angeli & Connie Chan Holly & Scott Bodenweber Nicole & Cressman Bronson

Rick J. Burgess, Esq. Linda & Michael Carter Kim L. Cavendish Christine M. & Alex C. Ceron Shannon & Brian Clay Michelle & William R. Clayton Joseph P. Cox Daren & Ryan Cronin Buzz & Ken Czubay Nancy & Paul Daly Dr. James Doan & Brad Zuckerman Judith & Ralph Doering, Jr. Meredith & Jason Feder Katy & Jonathan Ferrando Debbie & Doug Gawrych Wayne Gilmore Polly & Thomas A. Gruber Collette & Gene Herman Timothy Ingham & Julie Pabst Kelly & Keith Koenig Eileen M. & Charles J. LaMarca Robert Leider

Brooke & Robert B. Lochrie III, Esq. Dr. Wilhelmena B. Mack Joseph Majoros & Michelle Davila Barbara J. & John T. Morrison Abigail & Chris Pendrak Joan Readding Samantha L. & Sean M. Riley Lynne M. & John F. Rizzo Jeffrey D. Rubens Jill & Stuart Siegel Jason Silberstein Debbie & Erick Strati Lindsey & Jon Swergold, Esq. Sandra & J. Kenneth Tate Djename & Jean-Pierre Turgot Vincent J. Vento & Estelle Pregen Travis Warner & Jason Vincent Lucy H. & Gerald Weber

LEARNING is the only thing the mind never

exhausts, never fears, and never regrets.

Leonardo da Vinci

GALILEO’S CIRCLE is a group of donors who have included the Museum in their long-term financial and estate plans. MODS gratefully recognizes these individuals’ generous gifts.

Patrick Flynn * Dr. Harold Friedman * Robert L. Hoy, Jr. * Stephen A. Keller *

Victoria C. & John* Kirby Nancy A. Knox * Mildred Kytlica * Everett H. Metcalf, Jr. *

Jesse Lee Moore * Joan Thornton * Deceased

SUPPORT MODS to continue to connect our community to vital science programs and experiences. By investing in our Museum, you help create opportunities that will inspire the 400,000+ visitors that we welcome each year. For more information, visit mods.org/support.

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LONG-SERVING STAFF

WITH UTMOST APPRECIATION, MODS acknowledges our

longest-serving staff members. Meet a few of our outstanding team members who have fostered discovery through the decades.

KIM CAVENDISH • 30 YEARS

JOSEPH CYTACKI • 30 YEARS

“It has been a joy for me to serve as the President and CEO of MODS for nearly 30 years and to lead its growth from modest beginnings as the Discovery Center. I am truly honored and grateful as I begin the next chapter in my life. I am looking forward to spending more time with my daughter and traveling to pursue my interests in wildlife, photography, music and cultures.”

“It’s very fulfilling, motivating, and inspiring to be a part of a team that works so hard to increase STEM literacy in our community. The Museum will continue to be a very magical place that encourages visitors of all ages to use their imagination and creativity to explore science in fun ways.”

President and CEO (Retired February 2018)

LYNN SAGE • 29 YEARS

DEBO DAVIS • 26 YEARS

“I have always thought that those of us who stay with the Museum for several years do so because we believe in its mission and the results we observe in the benefits to the many young people who have volunteered or been employed, to the thousands of school kids, toddlers and other visitors who have participated in educational opportunities and gained inspiration in an atmosphere where science is fun.”

“Over the years that I have worked at the Museum of Discovery and Science, I have grown to love many things. I love when we are challenged with a fragile exhibit, and my job is to take it to the next level where it becomes safe, sturdy and ready for visitors. I enjoy the diversity of my work. We work well together as a team. That is the joy that I take with me.”

Electronics Technician

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Vice President of Programs, Life Sciences and Exhibits

Exhibits Manager

JOIN OUR MODS SQUAD! Discover how YOU can make an impact as a MODS volunteer or staff member. We are always looking for energetic people to help us continue to connect our community with inspiring science and to deliver a dynamic guest experience. MODS has opportunities that fit many skills, experience levels and interests.

Visit mods.org to learn more!

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STEM ENGAGEMENT AT MODS

62,000

Students participated in our STEM programs 26

160

Students have graduated from the APP-titude program

100+

Interns have completed the Transition to Independent Living (TIL) Program

1,000+

Rolls of duct tape are used for our STEM projects annually

STEM CENTER CONSIDER IT THE SOPHISTICATED SCIENTIFIC THINKING ENGINE that powers all

STEM-based programming at MODS. Since 2014, the Salah Foundation Stem Center for Education and Career Development is dedicated to advancing public engagement in STEM education and strengthening workforce and career development in south Florida. This unique philosophical approach provides the guiding principles for program development and selection at MODS. The Center connects STEM ideologies and our highly specialized staff members to engaging visitor experiences and meaningful discovery across all ages here at the Museum.

SO, WHAT IS STEM? STEM is an acronym representing the fusion of

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math into a real-world, hands-on, inquiry-based learning curriculum.

Teachers pivot from traditional roles of instructors to become torchbearers and exploration guides who light the way with questions that lead to critical thinking skills and self-discovery, essential components of STEM. The STEM Center helps to change community perceptions of science. Did we mention fun?

Fun is an organic byproduct of STEM! We frequently hear our STEM team ask students: What do you think? What do you notice? Why do you think that would happen? STEM is rooted in inquiry because questions deepen learning and draw out curiosity naturally. In our STEM Center programs and activities, how a student arrives at an answer has more merit than the answer itself. Identifying challenges and what didn’t work is more important than getting it right the first time (or second, eighth or hundredth time). By valuing process over product, STEM removes the pressure of arriving at a perfect outcome, encourages deeper

self-discovery and problemsolving skills, increases risk taking and improves students’ resiliency. When our students learn to make adjustments and try again, they truly begin to understand the work of real scientists and engineers.

The extensive STEM Center opportunities at MODS include comprehensive curriculum-based programs for Museum visitors, internships, mentorships, partnerships, STEM career exploration, STEM educator training and collaboration with universities, schools and educational associations. Our offering also includes specialized programming: APP-titude, Aviation Academy, Linking Education and Employment Opportunities (LEEO) Program, Ocean Explorers Camp, STEM Home School Program and the Transition To Independent Living (TIL) Program, a paid internship for young adults who are aging out of foster care.

our community’s children.

Our STEM Center philosophy makes information more meaningful and compelling by connecting it to a student’s everyday world. Our strategic, thought-provoking and interdisciplinary approach prepares students for success and also leads to local workforce development.

By raising the level of STEM education and driving career interest in related fields, MODS is helping to create a scienceliterate community.

THE SALAH FOUNDATION

Center for Education & Career Development

STEM education is vital to our future and the future of

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ENDLESS COLOR. SOLAR BRIGHTNESS. SOULSTIRRING SOUND. ENGAGING CONTENT. The AutoNation IMAX 3D Theater at the Museum of Discovery and Science is your hometown movie theater for the latest Hollywood blockbusters and captivating documentaries. Our six-story-high screen is the largest IMAX screen in south Florida, large enough to show a whale life-size! No visit to MODS is complete without an IMAX experience.

IMAX THEATER AT MODS

300

Seats in AutoNation IMAX Theater 28

30

Hollywood films shown in 2018

15

Documentary films shown in 2018

80’x 60’

IMAX screen size, the largest in south Florida

114

Speakers produce 52,000 watts of digital sound

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THE IMPACT OF MODS MODS HAS INSPIRED ME to love science

through its hands-on approach. By sharing my own passions with groups at the Museum, I have found MODS to be an invaluable resource for connecting the local community to science.

PEYTON ROBERTSON Named America’s Top Young Scientist, MODS student volunteer Peyton Robertson, 17, is the youngest person named to the 2018 Forbes 30 Under 30 Science list and the youngest winner in the history of the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge and the National STEM Education Award.

Robertson currently has five granted invention patents, including a sandbag to combat seawater flooding and a bike with retractable training wheels, and has nine additional patents pending. Next stop for the non-stop dynamo: a coveted internship at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab in summer 2019. MODS is grateful for the Robertson family’s involvement and support; Johnathan Robertson, Peyton’s dad, is a long-serving MODS trustee who joined us after being inspired by his son’s dedicated volunteerism with MODS.

OUR MESSAGE speaks to the community of children that flows through

the doors of MODS. We want to empower them to be stewards of the environment and to affect change right here in our neighborhoods.

ZIMMERMAN FAMILY An unplanned garbage pick-up on a litter-ridden beach activated a major movement to change the tide against ocean trash. South Florida siblings Conor (18), Ryan (17) and Kathryn (15) Zimmerman were appalled by beach debris on a family trip, inspiring Conor to take action by founding The Extra Catch. The mantra of The Extra Catch is simple: Everyone is a steward of the environment. The Zimmermans urge, “Wherever you see trash, pick it up. No matter how you spend your time on or near the water, do something extra by taking a moment to collect ocean trash.

You’ll never go back to the dock empty-handed.” Each sibling enhances the mission with a personal interest. For Conor, it is a love of all things aquatic, while Ryan and Kathryn infuse art that inspires action through THE EXTRA CATCH sculpture and textiles sourced from reclaimed materials.

Alongside proud parents Patricia and Kurt, Conor, Ryan and Kathryn grew up as regular visitors and supporters of MODS. Look for an impactful art installation to further inspire community ocean activism at MODS from The Extra Catch in the future.

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TO FLY EXPANSION Launch your plane with us this fall at our new MODS Makerspace, The Hangar!

This hands-on, “test and learn” exhibit is a central part of the new TO FLY $1.2 million expansion project.

FLIGHTS DEPART IN OCTOBER 2019.

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Engagement Report Team Joseph P. Cox President/CEO Joe Cytacki Vice President, Programs Meredith Feder, CFRE Deputy Director, Strategic Initiatives Andi Fuentes Director of Audience Engagement Marcela Gurdián Creative Director Holly Sokoloff Project Manager

401 SW Second Street • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 • 954.467.6637 • mods.org

MODS MAKES

BE A MODS MAKER AIRPLANE ENGINEER DESIGN AND BUILD YOUR OWN PLANE! 1

COLOR YOUR PLANE with markers or crayons and give it a unique look.

2

ASSEMBLE YOUR PLANE by punching

3

TEST FLY your plane!

CREATE OBSTACLE COURSES and test

out your plane’s performance.

5

NAME YOUR PLANE or give it a “call

sign” and post it on social media! #modsftl

#modsftl

4

out the parts and then putting them together.

IT’S TIME for a visit to MODS.