Discovery Space Opens New Weather Exhibit

State College - Dr. Joel Discovery Space_IMGL9978

Discovery Space’s newest exhibit uses AccuWeather maps and real-time data. Photo provided

By

Matt DiSanto

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September 30, 2022 – 12:58 pm

Discovery Space hopes to inspire the next generation of meteorologists with its latest installation.

On Wednesday, the science museum, located at 1224 N. Atherton St. in State College, held a grand opening for a new state-of-the-art weather exhibit. A full slate of gadgets and gizmos will help children learn about meteorology through five different stations. The exhibit focuses on concepts including severe weather, temperature, precipitation and wind, all powered by AccuWeather maps and data.

The new weather center also features an AccuWeather forecaster station that lets children deliver mock forecasts with the help of green screen technology and a few cameras.

Joel Myers, the founder and CEO of AccuWeather, solely funded Discovery Space’s new exhibit alongside his wife and family. He joined Discovery Space leadership at the exhibit’s grand opening ceremony on Wednesday.

“As a scientist and member of this great community, I was delighted to collaborate on this exhibit and help support such an important local institution that celebrates science, especially to benefit young people,” said Myers, who taught meteorology at Penn State for 21 years. “My colleagues at AccuWeather, Discovery Space leadership and custom exhibit designers, Flutter and Wow, did an amazing job with the exhibit. And now, I hope this exhibit helps to inspire a new generation of STEM learners.”

Joel Myers, AccuWeather’s founder and CEO, poses with Discovery Space leadership during a grand opening for a new weather exhibit at the hands-on science museum on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022. Pictured (from left) Discovery Space Board Chair Eva Pell, Myers, Discovery Space Executive Director Michele Crowl and Board Member Linda Gall. *Photo provided*.

In a statement, Myers said he hopes Discovery Space’s new exhibit will set an example for other science museums across the country.

Michele Crowl, Discovery Space’s executive director, said the museum’s new exhibit offers something for visitors of all ages.

“A partnership such as this one, where the company shares its assets in the name of teaching kids and families about their subject matter, is a true benefit to society,” she said in a statement. “Weather is universal; it sparks the curiosity of kids and adults.”

Discovery Space is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday each week. More information about the State College-based science museum is available online.