Earth Matters Archives - Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Extended Hours for Fall Break Fun!

Posted on November 18, 2022November 19, 2022 by Laura Valdez in Any Age, Archive & Collections, Discovery For All, Earth Matters, Museum Store, Schedules and Hours Of Operation

FCMoD is open EXTRA days during Fall Break this year, and we can’t wait! If you’re looking for things to do in Fort Collins, plan your visit to FCMoD and enjoy fun for everyone! We’re open every day during the week of Thanksgiving from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Thursday, November 24th.

Here are some tips for your upcoming visit:

Earth Matters Special Exhibition – Build an insect hotel! Ride a bike to power a city! These are just a few ways that Earth Matters inspires visitors to rethink the world around them. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking scientific topics about our changing planet such as biodiversity, rising global temperatures, and issues around carbon emissions. Explore this STEM-based, family-friendly exhibit now through Sunday, January 8th. Don’t forget, members receive free admission to the exhibit!

Pop-Up Floor Programming – Join us in the main gallery for programs that rock as hard as you do! From Foley art to the science of sound, there’s something for everyone! Programs are included in general admission and free for members. Check out the schedule in our museum calendar!

Meet the Animals – On Saturday, November 26th, join us in Animal Encounters and discover some amazing creatures we share this planet with. Animals of all kinds from creepy crawlies, wet and slimy, to soft and furry. Don’t miss an opportunity to make a new animal friend! Free for members and included in general admission ticket.

OtterBox Digital Dome – A visit to the museum isn’t complete without a visit to the Dome! Featuring a gigantic 39-foot diameter dome screen, adventurers of all ages will be wowed by the Dome’s state-of-the-art digital projection systems and booming surround sound.

Now showing in the Dome: CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story, Dream to Fly, Explore, Prince 360, One World, One Sky: Big Birds’ Adventure, Let it Snow! (starting 11/25)

Special Spanish-language shows: Un Cielo, Un Mundo. La Aventura de Big Bird y CAPCOM Go: La Historia del Programa Apolo

Check out the schedule here!

Archive and Collections (Free Zone) – Dive into local history by visiting FCMoD’s robust Archive and Collections! Free and open to the public, visitors can either take advantage of walk-in hours Tuesday through Saturday, 10-1, or schedule an appointment Tuesday – Friday, from 10-4. Can’t make it in? Check out the online archive here, which grows daily!

The Museum Store (Free Zone) – Shop small this holiday season! All purchases at The Museum Store support FCMoD’s mission to create meaningful opportunities to learn, reflect, and have fun. From jewelry crafted by local artists, to books for children and adults, to toys and other curiosities, there is something for everyone at The Museum Store!

The Museum Café (Free Zone) – From pastries and coffee to jump start your day, to a variety of casual lunch bites, The Museum Café is here to fuel your discovery!

Membership – Membership is the best way to experience all that FCMoD has to offer! Not only do you receive free general admission for a year, but you also enjoy exclusive discounts, events invitations, and more! Plus, membership makes the perfect holiday gift. (Check your email on Monday, November 28th for a very special offer!)

Our new special exhibition, Earth Matters, is now open until January 8, 2023

Posted on September 7, 2022October 17, 2022 by user in Earth Matters, Exhibits

Explore our changing planet and visit Earth Matters: Rethink the Future at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery from September 17 until January 8.

Explora un planeta que está en constante transformación; el nuestro, y visita la exhibición especial La Tierra importa: Repensar el futuro que llegará al Museo del Descubrimiento de Fort Collins a partir del 18 de septiembre hasta el 8 de enero.

En español

In nature, everything is connected—air, land, water – and everything is subject to change as well.

Earth Matters: Rethink the Future features fully interactive exhibits that put viewers front and center – enabling them to think in terms of solutions across a world of topics. Visitors will engage in themes such as biodiversity, rising global temperatures, and carbon emissions while creating lasting perspectives about the bigger roles we play in our environments.

While thinking about sustainability, you’ll see the inner workings of a tree, learn about endangered species, experience life in a coral reef, and calculate your water consumption. Earth Matters: Rethink the Future gives us all the chance to reimagine a more sustainable future – starting in our own backyard.

We are excited to take part in such a topical conversation. The exhibit will be on display until January 8, 2023, featuring STEM crossover for school audiences, and lifelong learners as well.

Created by Scitech in Perth, Australia and produced by Imagine Exhibitions

Exhibición creada por Scitech en Perth, Australia, y producida por Imagine Exhibitions

En la naturaleza, todo está conectado: el aire, la tierra, el agua y a la vez, todo está sujeto a cambios.

La Tierra importa: Repensar el futuro es una exhibición ampliamente interactiva que coloca a los espectadores frente a cuestiones elementales que buscan encontrar soluciones diversas a problemas vigentes. Con temas como la biodiversidad, el aumento de las temperaturas globales, las emisiones de carbono, y mucho más, podrás crear diferentes perspectivas sobre el rol que tienes en cuanto a tu entorno.

Mientras piensas en la sostenibilidad, verás el funcionamiento interno de un árbol, aprenderás sobre especies en peligro de extinción, experimentarás la vida en un arrecife de coral, calcularás tu consumo de agua, entre muchas otras actividades increíbles y educativas, incluyendo experiencias STEM (ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas por sus siglas en inglés) para toda la familia.

La Tierra importa: Repensar el futuro nos da la oportunidad de volver a imaginar un futuro más sostenible, comenzando en nuestro propio hogar.

Esta exhibición especial estará presente hasta el 8 de enero de 2023.

¡Los esperamos!

Experience Earth Matters: Rethink The Future at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Visita La Tierra importa: Repensar el futuro en el Museo del Descubrimiento de Fort Collins

September 17, 2022 – January 8, 2023

*September 17 is a preview day for members only.

17 de septiembre – 8 de enero, 2023

*El día 17 de septiembre es un preestreno exclusivo para miembros del museo.

Become a Member

Conviértete en miembro del museo

This exhibit is made possible with generous support from:

Esta exhibición ha sido posible gracias al generoso apoyo de:

Upcoming Events at the Museum

Posted on September 23, 2022October 29, 2022 by user in Earth Matters, Programs

In coordination with our special exhibition, Earth Matters, on display until January 8, 2023, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery presents programming that supports the mission of connecting our communities.

Our special programming includes a range of topics, and we have worked to gear events toward audiences of all ages. Please visit this page and our events calendar to learn about programs and events to join throughout the run of the exhibition.

See Programming

Earth Matters is sponsored by Odell Brewing Co, Hewlett-Packard, and Kaiser Permanente

October 20 | The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend: Recognizing and Working with Natural Enemies of Insect Pests with Dr. Whitney Crenshaw | 7 – 8 p.m.

Dr. Whitney Cranshaw, from CSU’s Entomology Department, will share his vast knowledge of our area’s smallest inhabitants to help you understand how you can use their natural behaviors to minimize insects’ more destructive impacts on your life and home. Registration is required.

October 21 | Carnival of Souls – 60th Anniversary Viewing Party | 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Join us for a special viewing in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater of the cult classic film Carnival of Souls, just in time for Halloween! More information and tickets can be found here.

October 22 | Learn Cheesemaking with Rachel Wildman | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Rachel Wildman, Farmer’s Market Coordinator of CSU’s Extension Service, will demonstrate the ins and out, curds and wheys of delicious cheesemaking in the Learning Lab. Registration is required.

November 5 | Tom Cech in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater | 2 – 3 p.m.

Colorado has been in the most serious drought in 1,200 years, and our growing population is stretching limited water resources. What are the impacts of Colorado water law on this unprecedented period in our state’s history? Tom Cech will provide insight and perspective on these critical issues for the Front Range of Colorado. Cech is the recently-retired director of the One World One Water Center for Urban Water Education and Sustainability at Metropolitan State University in Denver. Registration is required.

November 15 | CSU Bug Zoo | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Colorado State University (CSU) Bug Zoo will present information at the museum, focusing on their mission to bring a deeper appreciation for arthropods through hands-on learning. CSU Bug Zoo is part of the college’s Agricultural Science Department. The event is free with museum admission.

November 17 | Meet The Raptors | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program will be on site with live raptors and information to share about the animals, their habitat, and conservation efforts. Since 1987, RMRP has served the northern Colorado region through raptor rescue, rehabilitation and research, and conservation education. The event is free with museum admission.

November 17 | Radon: The Health Risks and Solutions with Karen Crumbaker | 7 – 8 p.m.

Join CSU Extension Service Agent in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Karen Crumbaker, in FCMoD’s OtterBox Digital Dome to learn the real impacts of radon exposure and practical measures you can take to protect yourself from its effects. Registration is required.

December 3 | CSU Bug Zoo | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

December 10 | Black-footed Ferret Clone Day | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Learn more about our black-footed ferrets, as well as the wonderful birth story of the first-ever cloned BFF Elizabeth Anne as we celebrate the wonders of conservation. The event is free for all to attend.

December 15 | Some Like It Hot: Sun Loving Plants for Your Fort Collins Yard with Alison O’Connor | 7 – 8 p.m.

Blessed with a sun-drenched yard? Join Alison O’Connor of the CSUExtension Service to learn how to make sun-friendly perennial, tree, and shrub choices for a beautiful, more sustainable yard. Registration is required.

This page will be updated as we share more programs.

Find our Earth Matters Press Release.