About
Learn more about our Museum
Welcome to Discovery Place Science
Discovery Place Science is an innovative, hands-on Museum in Uptown Charlotte that encourages scientific exploration and creativity. Our diverse aquariums will captivate your senses as you learn about the fascinating world of underwater creatures; our state-of-the-art lab spaces provide space to design, create and innovate; and don’t forget about the indoor rainforest where you can experience the sights and sounds of the jungle up close. Discovery Place Science is sure to spark imaginations of all ages!
Amanda Bottoms – Youth Development Manager
Growing up in Charlotte and taking field trips to Discovery Place, Amanda has always loved science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities—from building balloon powered cars to creating an edible planet Earth.
At Discovery Place, Amanda is responsible for the coordination and management of various STEM-based programs and events that annually serve hundreds of local youth and teens. Amanda helps lead the Maker Series that invites middle schoolers to explore biology, chemistry and programming; partners with schools to host Girls Day Out to illuminate STEM career pathways and build confidence in middle and high school girls; and manages the STEM Corp volunteer program that instills leadership in teens.
Amanda’s passion is creating opportunities for youth to access quality STEM programs through Discovery Place and learn more about careers in the vast field of STEM. Technology is ever-changing, and Amanda encourages every young mind she encounters to be a part of the change.
Elliot Provance – Director of Collections
A deep appreciation for science and art led Elliot to focus his career on the wonders of the natural world and help others strengthen their own appreciation.
At Discovery Place, Elliot directs the living and non-living collections, working with leadership to determine why the Museums have certain specimens and artifacts and how they help achieve Discovery Place’s mission. This includes prioritizing Discovery Place’s connection to coral reef and other cnidarian conservation, restoration and research by designing, developing and installing North Carolina’s most advanced cnidarian culturing facility at Discovery Place Science.
Elliot also uses his passion for science and art in the display and presentation of living and non-living collections inside the Museums. Working with talented staff to care for unique and rare animals and artifacts is easily Elliot’s favorite part about Discovery Place—from the very first plants in the Discovery Place Science rainforest to a rare Great Blue Turaco that calls the Museum its home.
WHO WE ARE
Discovery Place
Discovery Place is a 501c3 nonprofit and a hub for science education and exploration in the Carolinas with four distinct museum experiences serving more than 750,000 people a year through Museum visits, interactive educational programming and community outreach initiatives.
We aspire to shape a future where people embrace science to create opportunities, build hope, solve problems and bring positive change for our world.