Group Guide: We Have FUN Down To A SCIENCE!
Group Guide: We Have FUN Down To A SCIENCE!
Group Guide: We Have FUN Down To A SCIENCE!
2013 Group
Guide
5020 John R St.
Detroit, MI 48202
313.577.8400
www.Mi-Sci.org
Group Packages and Rates
Tiny Tots (Pre-K and K) $5.00
This package is specially designed for Preschool Kindergarten children.
Includes exploration time in Kids Town PLUS choice of ONE young child
Chrysler IMAX Dome film or Dassault Systmes Planetarium show.
Contents Explorer $6.00
1 Group Packages & Rates Includes exploration time in our hands-on exhibit galleries, a Chrysler
Science Stage show, DTE Energy Sparks Theater presentation or Toyota
2 Special Exhibitions Engineering Theater show. Space reservations are required to ensure
availability at selected times.
3 Kids Town
4 Explorer +1 $8.00
Exhibit Galleries
Includes Explorer package benefits PLUS choice of ONE Chrysler IMAX
6 Chrysler IMAX Dome Dome film, Dassault Systmes Planetarium show or Hands-on Interactive
Theatre program.
7 Dassault Systmes Explorer +2 $10.00
Planetarium
Includes Explorer package benefits PLUS choice of TWO Chrysler
8 Live Demonstrations, IMAX Dome films, Dassault Systmes Planetarium shows or Hands-on
Shows & Programs Interactive programs.
9 Hands-on Interactive Explorer +3 $12.00
Programs
Includes Explorer package benefits PLUS plus a Chrysler IMAX
10 Traveling Science Dome film, Dassault Systmes Planetarium show and a Hands-on
Interactive program.
12 Special Programs
Bodies Human: Anatomy in Motion Exhibition +
13 Reservation Procedures Human Body IMAX Combo $12.00
14 Planning Your Visit Includes BODIES Exhibition, Human Body IMAX film and Explorer
package benefits.
15 Additional Information
16 Teacher Professional
Development We recommend a minimum of
3-5 hours for your visit to include
time for lunch and travel between
activities. Chaperones meeting
the chaperone/student ratio
requirements (see page 13)
receive free Michigan Science
Center Explorer admission (does
not include program, theater or
special exhibit admission).
Reservations: Traveling Science rates and options
313.577.8400, are on pages 10-11.
Option 5
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Special Exhibitions
BODIES HUMAN: Anatomy in Motion
Dec. 26, 2012 - May 26, 2013
Gain a new appreciation and respect for what it means to be human with
BODIES HUMAN: Anatomy in Motion, an educational exhibit that literally, as
well as figuratively, goes under the skin allowing the public to look at what
only doctors and scientists normally see first-hand. The exhibit offers a once-
in-a-lifetime opportunity to understand our own physiology and health through
an extraordinary display of over 100 authentic human specimens, including
whole bodies, individual organs and transparent body slices preserved through
a polymer impregnation process that replaces fluids with reactive plastics.
Various body poses, including a basketball player, discus thrower, female
acrobat and the thinker showcase anatomical displays along with skeletal,
muscular, respiratory, and circulatory systems. In addition, individual organs,
such as a smokers tar-coated black lung, aim to educate visitors about the
inner workings of the human body and show the effects of poor health, good
health and lifestyle choices.
Group Rate: $12
Includes Explorer package benefits and
The Human Body IMAX film with special exhibit.
BODIES HUMAN is recommended for ages 12 and older. The exhibit is a great
educational resource for learning about health-related issues such as smoking, diet,
and lifestyle choices. An exhibit educator guide is available to download from the
Michigan Science Centers website.
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Imagine a place where pint-size scientists can become veterinarians, test the
laws of physics in a field house, learn about mixtures and solutions in the
kitchen of their very own diner, or just splash, crawl and play. That place is Kids
Town, a gallery for children ages 5 and under.
Kids Town features engaging activity areas in a child-scaled town where little
ones can develop their social and motor skills while exploring the basic science
concepts we encounter every day.
In keeping with the guidelines of the Michigan Board of Education Early
Childhood Standards of Quality for Pre-kindergarten, our gallery uses active,
hands-on experiences to foster positive attitudes toward science and build a
foundation for future, more sophisticated learning.
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Exhibit Galleries
The Michigan Science Center features more than 200 hands-on exhibits
that explore space, health, physical science, engineering and more.
Highlights include:
Space
Marvel at four towering rockets in our Rocket Laboratory
for a glimpse into space travel. The models, with cutaway
sections showing how they work, are built to 10:1 scale,
making them as large as 36 feet tall, stretching from the lower level of
the Science Center to the roof and beyond. Feel the rumble of a launch,
see how Apollo astronauts traveled to the moon and enjoy hands-on
activities. Launch your own rocket to the planets using only air and
water, learn how rockets work, and discover how fuel is made!
Peer through three telescopes positioned at varying heights that point
to various astronomical targets throughout the museum. Work a Solar
System Distance Scale to position each planet the correct scale distance
from the sun. See an array of astronomical images displayed along our
Dassault Systmes Planetarium.
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Exhibit Galleries
Motion
Explore the fundamental properties of matter
and energy with hands-on exhibits showing
circuits, electrical loads and patterns created
by magnetic fields. Enter the Lumenarium
for an enlightening look into our many waves
& vibrations exhibits that investigate micro-
waves, radio waves, x-rays and visible light.
Learn the difference between compression
and transverse waves, and dont miss the
laser harp where everyone is a musician as
they play on invisible beams of light or
The Jam Room where music comes alive.
Discover the principles of motion includ-
ing simple machines, rotation, mechanical
advantage, aerodynamic forces, pendulums
and gyroscopes in the lower level area of
permanent exhibits too.
Engineering
Walk the Mini Mac Bridge, an 80-foot-long
pedestrian bridge modeled after the Mackinac
Bridge, while learning about some of mans
greatest engineering accomplishments or
stay on the main road to learn about indus-
trial advancements, including the museums
own roundabout with Roads, Bridges and
Tunnels exhibits related to transportation,
fuels and infrastructure. A major component
of the Gallery, the United States Steel Fun
Factory with 39 hands-on exhibits spanning
2,800 square-feet, shows visitors how the
manufacturing process turns ideas into
reality with the aid of computer design,
prototypes, simulations, conveyors, robots,
statistics and more. Additional exhibits in this
area depict how roads, tunnels and bridges
are constructed with displays that explain The Mini Mac Bridge, an 80-foot-
how various materials used for road
long pedestrian bridge modeled
construction, such as aggregate, concrete
and asphalt, are produced. after the Mackinac Bridge.
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Chrysler IMAX Dome Theatre
Feel like youre a part of the action. Showing films that entertain, educate
and inspire, Michigans only IMAX dome theatre surrounds audiences
with an experience that thrills students and adults alike. Its 70-foot-wide,
five-story high screen, modern stadium-style seating and state-of-the art
technology creates an ultimate movie experience not to be missed!
Educator guides available for each film at www.Mi-Sci.org.
To The Arctic
Fall 2013 - Recommended Grades: 4 to Adult
Go on a never before seen journey into the lives of a mother
polar bear and her two seven-month old cubs as they navigate
the changing Arctic wilderness they call home. Captivating,
adventurous, and intimate footage brings you up close and
personal with this familys struggle to survive and thrive in a
frigid environment of melting ice, immense glaciers, spectacular
waterfalls, and majestic snow-bound peaks.
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Dassault Systmes Planetarium
Discover the universe in all its wonder in our Dassault Systmes Planetarium,
one of the finest digital planetarium projection systems in the world. Our shows
put you inside the virtual universe as you fly past more than 9,000 stars, plus
planets, galaxies and more on a 50-foot-wide, three-story-high-dome. Shows
are led by a live presenter and are followed by Q&A sessions.
Educator guides are available for all shows on our website.
The Little Star That Could Nine Eight Planets and Counting
Grades: Preschool - 3 Grades: 3 - Adult
Join a small yellow star as he searches for his planets. This show How many planets are in our Solar System? What is the definition
introduces young audiences to stars, star colors, planets and our of a planet? New discoveries are challenging and changing our
Solar System. answers to these questions,as the continuing debate is explored
along with a tour of our Solar System.
The Secret of The Cardboard Rocket
Grades: Preschool - 3 Blown Away: The Wild World of Weather
Two young adventurers turn an old cardboard box into a rocket, (April-Sept 2013) Grades 4 - Adult
and with the help of a magical book and their vivid imaginations, Prepare to be blown away by this exploration of weather experi-
blast off on an awesome journey to the most amazing places in the ence the power of a thunderstorm, be whisked away by a tornado
Solar System. and witness weather from space.
Black Holes
Grades: 5 - Adult
Black holes. They lurk in the Universe like a fiery cosmic dragon
and can devour entire stars. Now, learn the answers to questions
such as; What are they? How are they made? Is the Earth in dan-
ger of being pulled into one?
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Live Demonstrations, Shows and Programs
Experience how our demonstrations, shows and programs bring
science to life!
Centennial Lab
Experience hands-on demonstrations and activities for all ages in
our Centennial Lab. Discover a variety of science topics with themed
activities in chemistry, physics, engineering and technology.
Demonstration times vary depending on activity.
Reservations not required.
Nutrition Kitchen
Have fun with live cooking demonstrations and learn how to make
eating healthy fun and interesting! Demonstration times vary
depending on activity.
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Hands-on Interactive Programs
Our Hands-on Interactive Program (HIP) sessions
take students on an in-depth exploration of science,
technology, engineering and math and are the per-
fect complement to our hands-on exhibits.
Each program is conducted in one of our dynamic
learning environments and lasts 25-60 minutes for
preschool-grade 8. High School programs run 60-90
minutes. Program capacity: 25 students and up to
10 adults.
HIP Sessions
Preschool
Please see information under Kids Town on page 3.
Homeschool HIP Days
Grade K-2 - (30 minutes) Hands-on Interactive Program sessions for home school
Push/Pull - learn about the characteristics of magnets students explore space, physical and life science concepts.
Predictable Patterns - learn about how patterns are in our Each program runs 35-45
everyday lives Grade Levels/Times
minutes. Programs are
offered for home school Elementary: 11 am
Grade 3-5 - (30-45 minutes) students the first Wednesday Middle School: 12 pm
States of Matter - learn about the four states of matter of each month. High School: 1pm
Cells - learn about the parts of animal and plant cells and why
they are different Math - February
Math is everywhere. Explore the Science Center as a
Grades 6-8 - (45-60 minutes) mathematician to figure out our mathematics challenge.
Whats up with DNA? - Participants will describe what DNA is,
where it is found and how it codes for traits Famous Scientists - March
Celebrate the contributions made by scientists. Make
Forces in Motion - Discover Newtons Laws of Motion using
connections to their work and our technology of today.
different types of vehicles or objects that move
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Traveling Science
Let us bring science to you through our Traveling Science Outreach
programs. Enhance fun and learning for schools, groups, family
science nights, birthday parties and other occasions!
Available seven days a week, daytime or evening.
Group Programs
Its Alive in Eeksteins Lab
30 minute show. Maximum Audience 250
For Families and Children Ages 6-13
Dr. Eekstein and Igor have a dilemma! They need help from volunteers as they
explain different functions of the brain, circulatory system, heart, lungs and digestive
tract in order to give their creature life.
STARLAB!
30 minute show.
Maximum Audience 25 per session with 2 sessions/hr.
The STARLAB is an inflatable, portable planetarium. During each session, our
educator will give tours of the current night sky using the STARLABs star projector,
featuring bright stars, constellations, planets, and the moon.
(NOTE: STARLAB is an indoor planetarium with a requirement of a 25 x 30 area,
minimum ceiling height of 10 and a grounded outlet.)
Science Makes-and-Takes
30 minute session.
Maximum 50 students/session. Includes 2 activities
(NOTE: $15 supply charge for each additional activity and/or additional 30 students; For more information
Additional fee for longer sessions.) about Traveling Science
Our make-and-take activities not only teach, but are fun and give participants a Group Programs, call
project to bring home. Each activity takes approximately 5-15 minutes. We have a 313.577.8400, ext. 238
variety of activities on different subjects for all age levels. Make-and-Takes may be
combined with our other programs.
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Traveling Science
Workshops (Maximum 30 participants per workshop)
Workshops are hands-on programs designed for small group
settings. In some cases, more than one workshop of the same
kind may be run simultaneously at your location.
Early Childhood Preschool - Kindergarten (30 minutes) Traveling Science programs should
How Does Your Garden Grow? Color Your World be booked at least four weeks in ad-
Explore how plants grow and develop a Experiment with prisms and color filters vance. The Reservations Department
green thumb as a new seedling is started. to look at the products of color mixing. will confirm program availability for
the requested date and time within
three business days of inquiry.
Elementary Grades 1-5 (30 - 45 minutes)
Sky Gazers (Grades 1-2) Sounds All Around (Grades 3-5) A 50% non-refundable deposit is
Participants will learn about what they Participants will use rulers, straws and due within two weeks of making
see in the night sky, including the phases some more advanced equipment to learn
the reservation with the remaining
of the moon. (30min) about vibrations and sounds. (45min)
balance due two weeks before the
Weather Watchers (Grades 1-2) Our Place in Space (Grades 3-5) scheduled program. Program is
Participants will learn about what makes Participants will compare the residents subject to cancellation if deposit or
weather and learn about tools to observe of our Solar System. They will explore payment is not received upon due
and measure weather. (30min) how the Earth fits into its neighborhood.
date. Group(s) canceling a program
(45min)
less than two weeks before reserved
Middle School Grades 6-8 (60 minutes) date will receive a credit to be used at
the Michigan Science Center.
Sounds All Around Diving into DNA
Participants will use rulers, straws and Participants will be able to describe
All programs subject to availability
some more advanced equipment to learn what DNA is, where it is found and how
about vibrations and sounds. There will it codes for traits. Interactive activities or change.
be an increased emphasis on different and demonstrations will reinforce ideas
types of waves for older students. learned about DNA.
Payment can be made by check,
MasterCard, Visa or American
Making Math Meaningful Express. Purchase orders are
Choose from three different workshops - Parachute Parts, Kreative Kaleidoscopes or
Missing Money Mystery - to discover the world of fractions, decimals and percentages
not accepted.
with creative hands-on activities.
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Special Programs
Birthday Parties
The Michigan Science Center is a truly unique venue for hosting a birthday
party. Package themes change throughout the year to correspond with our
latest offerings. All birthday packages include reserved space for two hours, a
Science Center gift for the birthday child and a personal Science Center host/
hostess.
For more information on birthday parties, please call 313.577.8400, Option 5.
Facility Rentals
Experience a one-of-a-kind venue in Detroits Cultural Center that may be rented
for special events of all types: convention/corporate receptions, fundraisers,
holiday parties, cocktail receptions, business meetings, product launches,
class/family reunions, weddings & receptions and much more. Up to 2,000
guests can be accommodated in the evening, and smaller groups can use
private rooms and the caf during the day for business meetings, training
sessions or corporate luncheons.
For more information on facility rentals, please call 313.577.8400, ext. 422.
Volunteer Programs
Become part of the Michigan Science Center team by join-
ing one of our volunteer programs! Through our Pi Society
Program, volunteers with strong science backgrounds can
lend their expertise to educate and inspire our patrons by
conducting demonstrations and explaining exhibit content.
For those just excited to be part of the Science Center, our
Newton Society and Galileo Program provides volunteer
opportunities ranging from assisting visitors to helping out
with projects behind the scenes to working with our staff
on special events.
For more information, visit www.mi-sci.org, or call
313.577.8400, ext. 453.
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Reservation Procedures
To make a reservation, call 313.577.8400, Option 5, weekdays
from 9 a.m. 5 p.m. It is recommended that reservations be made
at least 3 weeks prior to your visit. Reservation
Please have the following information ready when calling: Department
Group Name Number of Students
Group Address Number of Chaperones Office Hours:
Telephone No. / Fax No. / E-mail Number of Additional Adults Weekdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Date/Arrival Time (select 3 dates) Package and Lunch Option 313.577.8400, Option 5
Group Contact Method of Payment Michigan Science Center
Chaperones 5020 John R St.
School groups are required to provide 1 chaperone for every 10 students. Special Detroit, MI 48202
needs groups and Preschool-Kindergarten groups are encouraged to provide 1
chaperone for every 5 students. All chaperones per the above ratio receive free www.Mi-Sci.org
General Admission, but there is an additional fee for program, theater and special
exhibits. Any adults above and beyond the 1:10 or 1:5 ratios will be charged the
package rate.
Deposit Policy
1. A 50% non-refundable deposit is due within 2 weeks of making the reserva-
tion. Your balance is due before or on arrival.
2. This will guarantee your show or program in the theaters or stages.
3. Groups not submitting their deposit will lose their reservation and their
chaperone-ratio discount rate.
4. Groups that arrive with more than their final reserved count will be charged
for each person over the reserved amount. Should the arrival date attendance
fall lower than the confirmed amount, NO REFUND WILL BE ISSUED. Instead,
a credit will be given that can be used toward a future group visit made within
one year.
5. Purchase orders are not accepted for deposits or payments. MasterCard, Visa,
American Express and personal checks are accepted.
Confirmation Packet
Once your deposit has been received, a confirmation letter will be sent. It will
include the days schedule, Science Center information and a map. Please review
this information with your students, chaperones and bus driver before arriving.
Lunch Options
Whether you brown bag it or order from our Cosmic Caf Lunch Program, be
sure to give your students the fuel that they need to learn! Our Lunch Program
offers a variety of hot or cold entrees. Ask for available lunch packages when you
reserve your group visit. Lunch space reservations are required when making
your field trip reservation. Please allow 30 minutes for lunch. Due to space
availability, lunch areas are on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Planning Your Visit
The Michigan Science Center is a NO SMOKING, NO GUM
CHEWING and NO WEAPONS facility.
Parking: Copy and distribute maps for all bus drivers to ensure Your group will be shown where to
timely arrival at the Michigan Science Center. deposit lunches, coats and other
belongings before starting your day.
Go to www.michigan.gov/mdot for current information on road
closings and construction. Directions from all major Detroit
freeways can be found on our website.
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Additional Information
Accessibility
The Science Center is accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Elevators and ramps serve all public areas including the
Chrysler IMAX Dome Theatre, Dassault Systmes
Planetarium and Toyota Engineering Theater. The Michigan
Science Center is wheelchair accessible and a limited number
of wheelchairs are available at no cost. Listening devices are
available at the Tickets and Information Counter.
ATM
The ATM is located near the Cosmic Caf.
Coat Racks & Lockers
Complimentary coat racks are available. Lockers are available for 50
cents each. The Michigan Science Center is not responsible for lost or
stolen items.
PI Society Science Docents
Teachers, are you looking for greater
expertise in one of the subject areas
presented in our exhibit laboratories? Let
us know! Our Pi Society Science Docents
are often available to be in one of our
laboratories during your exploration time
to answer student questions and provide
greater insight into scientific principles.
Please call 313.577.8400, ext. 453, for
more information.
The Cosmic Caf
Our Caf offers visitors a choice of simple
snacks such as ice cream, soft pretzels
and cookies or a complete meal with
sandwiches, salads, pizzas and even a
daily hot entre.
Explore Store
To reinforce the Science Center experience, guests have the
opportunity to shop at our Science Store. If you do not have time to
shop, special arrangements to purchase Science Store products can
be made in advance.
Website
Check our website, www.Mi-Sci.org, for information on new shows,
programs, exhibits, events and group trip resources.
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Teacher Professional Development
Workshops for Teachers
SB-CEU credits are available
COST:$50 includes snacks (parking not included) Membership
Literally Science: February 2, 2013 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Discounts
Grade: Preschool-Grade 1 Educators receive 20% OFF any level
This workshop focuses on using childrens literature to explore of Science Center membership.*
the connections between beloved books and basic science concepts.
Participants will engage in a variety of hands-on, inquiry-based Call 313.577.8400, ext. 433, for
activities to explore these basic science concepts. details.
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