The sciencenter will launch an exhibition planning project to design a traveling exhibit that offers children and families engaging, hands-on stem learning experiences centered on birds

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Sciencenter Discovery Museum $1,037,288 on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to design a traveling exhibition centered on birds that delivers hands-on STEM learning experiences for children and families.

Sciencenter will conduct front-end research in partnership with scientific experts, prospective host institutions, and birding community stakeholders. Exhibit design and graphic design consultants will produce a schematic plan outlining exhibit themes and strategy for future fabrication and touring. The museum will develop prototype hands-on activities and engage an external evaluator throughout the project to validate alignment with learning goals and visitor engagement. The final evaluation report will be shared online and through conference presentations to document lessons learned and identify best practices for the museum field.

Performance occurs in Ithaca, New York, with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028. The Museums for America program supports project-based efforts by museums of all sizes to serve the public through exhibitions, educational programs, digital learning resources, and related activities addressing strategic institutional goals and generating measurable results.

The museum will partner with scientific experts, prospective host institutions, and key stakeholders in the birding community to conduct front-end research, develop the exhibition, and create prototype hands-on activities. Exhibit design and graphic design consultants will produce a schematic plan outlining exhibit themes, as well as a plan and strategy for future fabrication and touring. The project team of museum staff members will work with an external evaluator throughout the project to ensure that the exhibition design supports learning goals and visitor engagement. The museum will share the final evaluation report online and through conference presentations, summarizing lessons learned and identifying best practices that can benefit both the sciencenter and the museum field.