Ft Collins Museum Exhibits Applic

• Project Type: Ag/Muni Grant
• Applicant: City of Fort Collins
• Project Name: Water Education Exhibits at the Discovery Center Science Museum
• Title: Water Education Exhibits at the Discovery Center Science Museum
• Date: 11/29/1996
• County: Larimer
• Water Conservation - Doc Type: Application

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Need
As children and adults understand more about the world of water, the more likely they are to
protect our water resources. We need everyone's help to keep pollution from contaminating
our water and to ensure there will be enough fresh water for the future by using water
efficiently. Permanent, interactive exhibits at the Discovery Center are an ideal way to reach
the citizens of our community with these important messages. While youth will be the
targeted audience, the exhibits will be designed so that all ages benefit from a visit to the
museum.

Implementation
In October 1996, the Discovery Center convened a focus group to brainstorm ideas for earth
and life science rooms. The initial idea was to separate them into two rooms, with separate
groups planning each room. Meanwhile, the Water Utilities had been talking to the Discovery
Center about developing a room with water exhibits. After several focus group meetings, the
decision was made to integrate the earth science, life science and water rooms into one
planning effort. Water is seen as the common thread that ties all the disciplines together. The
focus group is currently meeting as a planning group to develop the rooms.

Several Water Utilities staff have been actively involved in the focus group since its
inception. They will continue working with the focus group to conceptualize and develop
exhibits for the rooms. Along with the focus group, the Water Utilities has coordinated a
team of staff from the treatment plants, engineering, stormwater and water quality divisions
to propose exhibits addressing the water education concepts we have targeted.

The focus group will:
1. Prioritize a list of the most important principles to be conveyed by the
exhibits.
2. Conceptualize exhibits that could be constructed to teach the principles and
determine the most feasible approach.
3. Develop working drawings of proposed exhibits.

The Discovery Center will:
1. Provide space for the exhibits and an area for educational programs.
2. Facilitate the focus group.
3. Oversee exhibit construction and ensure completion ofthe project.

Budget
In 1996, an Electricity Room opened at the Discovery Center and the response by the public
has been very positive. The Discovery Center gained a lot of experience from developing the
Electricity Room. The cost of labor and materials was documented in great detail, providing a
reliable cost for similar exhibits.