Idaho Museum of Natural History to raise funds for Discovery Center on May 5

This is the second year Idaho Museum of Natural History has participated in Idaho Gives. Last year’s contributions were used to purchase a fish tank and fish for the Discovery Center.

“The Rebecca Thorne-Ferrel Discovery Center at the Idaho Museum of Natural History provides an interactive learning environment for children,” said Becky Hansis-O’Neill, Idaho Museum of Natural History’s education specialist.

The Discovery Center has long been a resource enjoyed by families, educators and visitors of all ages. The free-choice learning environment provides children authentic experiences in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and inspires a love of science and an appreciation for lifelong learning.

Founded by Rebecca Thorne-Ferrel, the Discovery Center has been a mainstay in the Pocatello Community, and is the only resource of its kind in the Pocatello area. Free of charge, the Discovery Center is open to children of all socioeconomic levels and provides an opportunity for self-directed play for children visiting with tour groups.

The Discovery Center aims to provide a space where young learners can exercise their natural propensity to learn about the word around them through play and free choice. Visitors can compare the weight of different kinds of rocks, look at different types of animal skulls, complete puzzles, read books or play with a collection of dinosaur toys.

After many years in operation, however, the Discovery Center needs a few updates. Any funding from Idaho Gives will supplement an Idaho Community Foundation grant received last year to improve the objects in our playroom and add new activities for our visitors to enjoy.

To make a contribution or for more information visit https://idahogives.razoo.com/us/story/The-Idaho-Museum-Of-Natural-History.