Cox Science Center Unveiled

Lisa Parker

Hey everyone, welcome back to our first episode of the Cox Science Center & Aquarium Podcast! I’m Lisa Parker, and I’m here with Jay Tacey as always. Now, I’ve got to say, when you walk up to a science center, you don’t usually expect—what is it now, Jay?—a thirteen-fold increase in aquarium size?

Jay Tacey

Yeah, it’s wild, Lisa! The Cox Science Center’s going from 48,000 square feet to about 130,000. That’s over double, almost triple the space—my math’s never been sharp first thing in the morning, but anyway, it’s big. Really big. They’re calling it the “Science Elevated” master plan, and it honestly feels like the kind of place you’d see pop up in a major city, right here in West Palm Beach.

Lisa Parker

I love how it’s becoming this regional STEM and aquaculture hub, not just a “go-see-a-few-fish” kind of place. There’s this new Science Pavilion, three levels packed with the expanded aquarium, traveling exhibits, and that huge Digital Exhibit Gallery—that thing is gonna have a projection wall like, thirty-four feet tall. XR tech, interactive touchscreens, just—stuff my inner science geek kind of drools over, if I’m honest.

Jay Tacey

And the aquarium story! It’s not just tanks; it’s called “Journey of Water.” You start with freshwater springs, wander through the Everglades—seriously, American alligators, indigo snakes, the works—then into coastal waters with things like the shark and ray touch tank. The coral gallery’s where it gets super cutting-edge, with things like coral propagation and even a lionfish tank showing how much damage invasive species do. Real environmental stories, not just pretty fish, y’know?

Lisa Parker

See, that gets me excited! Back at Repticon events, we always try to set up hands-on stuff—letting people really experience animals, not just look at ‘em behind glass. There’s nothing like seeing a kid’s eyes get huge when they realize those habitats are Florida’s own backyard. Cox Science Center is bringing that to another level. You’ve got these immersive digital exhibits, the Journey of Water, and the STEAM Studio—it’s completely changing the way families engage with science. It’s not just for the kids, either. Adults leave genuinely curious, asking questions, and that’s the best spark to light in a community.

Jay Tacey

Absolutely, and with that scale-up, they’re not just showing more—they’re making the learning more dynamic. Imagine the kinds of programs you can bring in with those resources. But, y’know, beyond the shiny new walls, it’s all about what happens inside. That kind of brings us to the heart of what the center stands for—reaching the whole community.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, so when you look at the mission—“open every mind to science”—it sounds almost too big, but Cox Science Center hits it from all angles. Programs like the GEMS Club—monthly events just for girls in grades 3 to 8 so they can meet women in STEM. There’s the ASCEND NeuroExplorers—middle schoolers get this deep dive into neuroscience, and I mean, to have something this specific at that age? That’s special.

Lisa Parker

Don’t forget Cox Science Pathways, too! Mentorships and internships for underserved youth and students of color, which is huge. I’ve seen this at events—the more access you give to students who wouldn’t normally get it, the bigger the impact. And affordable options, like Museums for All—three bucks for families with EBT cards? That’s how you make a science center part of everyone’s life, not just folks who can easily pay full price.

Jay Tacey

Exactly. The expansion's designed to double student outreach—60,000 students a year for things like dissections and hands-on science labs. They’re projecting to hit a million visitors a year when it's all said and done. Plus, with that Digital Arts Studio, tech-track workshops, even STEM classrooms—Palm Beach County’s gonna have a shot at skills that are seriously in demand.

Lisa Parker

One of my favorite case studies is the coral propagation partnership with the Reef Institute. It’s hands-on, but with direct conservation results. You get groups of kids and families actually working with coral scientists—helping Florida’s reefs, not just learning about them. Some of those folks walk out thinking, “I could actually help restore a reef?” It’s powerful to tie classroom science with real-world environmental action, especially for kids who might not have even been to the ocean before.

Jay Tacey

You said it. I always think, the most lasting impact from these programs isn’t just the lessons, it’s when students start to see themselves as caretakers, or even changemakers. And sometimes, y’know, it’s the spark from those experiences that leads them down a path—maybe into marine biology, maybe into climate science, or maybe just more curious about the world. Which actually lines up really nicely with something cool that’s happening right now…

Jay Tacey

So here’s a chance for every young scientist, every dreamer and budding conservationist out there: The Future Wavemakers Challenge! This is open for all Florida students ages four to eighteen. All you gotta do is submit an idea to help protect Florida’s nature—manatees, coral reefs, the Everglades—whatever you care about. And every participant gets a medal, which, let’s be honest, is awesome at any age—

Lisa Parker

I’d wear mine around the office, just sayin’! But—beyond medals, top students get a $5,000 scholarship, and if you’re working with a group or your class? $10,000 STEM grant on the line. That’s serious recognition for changemakers who wanna turn their creativity into real environmental solutions. It’s about empowering, not just rewarding, right?

Jay Tacey

Right. Seriously, I remember way back at Discovery Cove, we had a student program—kids leading their own little environmental projects. One group did something with native plant restoration; I always mix up the details—was it shoreline plants or mangroves? Maybe both. Either way, a couple of those students went on to work in science and conservation later in life. You don’t always know which spark is gonna set off a real career or change someone’s world, but man, seeing that light go on never gets old. That’s what makes competitions like Future Wavemakers so important.

Lisa Parker

Absolutely. So, if you know a young person who’s got ideas—big, small, a little quirky, whatever—check out FutureWavemakers.org/Challenge. The deadline’s January 28th, and every entry counts. You never know, this could be the beginning of a new wave of Florida’s conservation heroes. Jay, always a pleasure chatting science with you. Ready to say goodbye?

Jay Tacey

Yeah, Lisa, it’s been great. Can’t wait to see what stories come out of the next generation. Thanks for tuning in, everyone—lots more to come on the Cox Science Center & Aquarium Podcast. See you next time, Lisa!

Lisa Parker

Bye, Jay! Bye, everyone. Stay curious!