Episode 9 - Roots of Representation: Building Environmental Resiliency through Children’s Museums

In this episode, host and project PI Ed Greene and project team leader Arthur Affleck III, M.Ed., JD., talk about ways the children’s museum sector is helping youth all across the country learn about and respond to various climate-related harms.  

In this episode, Arthur highlights several museum exhibits and programs that are equipping children with ideas, information, and resources for protecting their natural environments and healing the planet. Some of these include: 

• Race to Zero Waste – An exhibit at the Discovery Cube (in Los Angeles, CA) that takes a gamified approach to teaching children about the importance of recycling and waste management.
• Climate Action Heroes – A program at the National Children’s Museum (in Washington, D.C.) that teaches youth eco-friendly practices through monthly missions that help them build their climate superpowers. 
• Caretakers of Wonder - Led by Madison Children’s Museum, Caretakers of Wonder is a network of cultural organizations working on climate change issues, impacts, and adaptations facing museums and the young children we serve. 
• Wild Weather – An immersive exhibit (hosted by the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis) that simulated hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and other extreme weather events while teaching children about ways to mitigate the effects of severe weather impacts. 
• South Florida & Me – A gallery (featured at the Miami Children’s Museum) that teaches children about the Everglades and its role in sustaining various ecosystems in the South Florida region. 
• Hub for Resilience Education - In partnership with The Community Foundation of Broward, the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, FL is addressessing environmental issues relevant to the community and developing solutions to help mitigate the impact of climate change by championing engagement, education and action for environmental sustainability and resilience in Broward.