09/19/12 jb

HAYS, Kan. -- With more than 60 competitive applicants, Fort Hays State University's Sternberg Museum of Natural History was awarded a $7,000 Ronald McDonald House Children's Charities (RMHC) grant.

Out of this grant, $3,500 was donated by RMHC of Wichita and $3,500 was funded by RMHC Global. The funds will help update technology, institute new learning techniques and create more interactive exhibits. The Discovery Room is for children to learn about plant and animal life, with everything from live exhibits to hands-on learning areas.

"We are ordering supplies now in hopes to have it remodeled by the spring," said James Leiker, education director at the Sternberg Museum. "This is a great opportunity for the Discovery Room to meet the needs of the children."

The Sternberg has received three grants in the past from RMHC, totaling $73,819 for the Discovery room.