At Discovery Magnet School, the branding aims to evoke the spirit of curiosity and the endless possibilities of exploration. Rooted in the principles of ‘discovery,’ the school’s identity emphasizes the idea that “there is always something to discover if you keep searching,” thereby continuously sparking curiosity in students’ minds. As a science-focused magnet school, Discovery Magnet School encourages inquiry and problem-based learning, pushing students to explore and question the world around them.

Using the letter D, the logo offers a magnifying glass enhancing the image of a gear to symptomize the process of inquiry, or the act of looking closer. Inside the magnifying glass, a gear is depicted to emphasize the focus on STEM-based learning.

The design palette features bright colors that complement the school’s light and airy architecture, which is designed to maximize natural light. Murals in the main spaces showcase images of various structural bridges from the local area, aligning with the engineering mindset and the school’s motto, “Bridge the foundation of what we do.” These murals use a halftone style with science-based iconography to unfold the story of each bridge. Hidden within the icon configuration are images of dinosaurs, adding an element of discovery for students as they find these surprises among the scientific icons.

This theme of discovery extends to the interactive elements within the school. Students and visitors can use a hidden message decoder to reveal inspirational quotes and hidden scientific illustrations. These decoders, shaped like magnifying glasses, reinforce the school’s brand identity, and further inspire a sense of exploration and curiosity.

To compliment the school’s brand of academic discovery, a mascot was also designed to be the face of the school’s athletics and culture. Colorado’s state fossil is a Torosaurus, also found in Thornton, Colorado, where Discovery Magnet is located. The fossil itself is a fantastic story of discovery as researchers initially identified it as a different dinosaur, and upon taking a closer look, they made a discovery! Using this story as inspiration, the Discovery Dinosaur was designed to be a friendly face of the school’s mission and help to inform its STEM-driven culture.