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Junior Navigators

An out-of-this-world opportunity for Detroit middle schoolers! Explore the universe using NASA software and design a planetarium show to inspire guests at the Michigan Science Center.

Who are the Junior Navigators?

What do you see when you look at the Detroit night sky? For many in urban areas, the glow of city lights limits our view of the universe. Junior Navigators expands that view and connects Detroit youth with the wonders of space science—bringing them to the stars and beyond.

In Junior Navigators, students will:

  • Use OpenSpace software to research and explore the skies.
  • Design and present a custom planetarium show to inspire and educate Mi-Sci guests.
  • Explore astronomy, geology, and chemistry with support from scientists and experts.
  • Get a behind-the-scenes look at museum operations

Program Goals

Junior Navigators is designed to inspire a lifelong love of STEM. Through research, creativity, and collaboration, students will:

  • Build confidence in their ability to succeed in STEM fields.
  • Gain exposure to cutting-edge research and scientists during our family-friendly SciChats.
  • Develop skills in research, public speaking, and teamwork.

"My three children look forward to the summer camp experience each year. Their love for science has grown, and they got to spend the summer building new friendships and maintaining old ones." 

A.W.

returning summer camp parent

"My son came home talking about the many different hands-on activities that they completed. The program ran efficiently and was organized. It made me feel as a parent that my son was okay, and he was learning."

L.G.

returning summer camp parent of 3rd grader

"Spark! Camp helped me to understand science more than I would at school. I met so many friends and I was more comfortable with talking to other kids my age. My favorite activity was learning the chemistry behind making boba. It was fun tasting it too."

L.H.

6th grade, first-time participant

"(My daughter) truly developed as a person during her time at Spark! Camp at the Michigan Science Center. She learned many science concepts through active, hands-on learning and real-life applications." 

C.H.

first-time summer camp parent of 6th grader

Frequently Asked Questions

Junior Navigators is a hands-on program for Detroit-area 7th and 8th graders. Participants will explore space science, learn from experts, and use OpenSpace software to create a planetarium show to educate and inspire museum guests.

7th and 8th-grade students in Detroit

This unique experience is free to participants, thanks to generous support from a NASA grant award under the Teams Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions (TEAM II) activity of NASA’s Next Gen STEM Project.

No previous STEM experience is needed—just curiosity and a desire to learn!

Junior Navigators meets for 10 weeks during the school year. The fall cohort meets approximately September through December, and the spring cohort meets February through May.

Junior Navigators meet for a 40-hour workshop over four months, typically on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Junior Navigators launched in 2024 in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History.

After individuals have completed the Junior Navigators program, they can choose to participate in the Senior Navigator program (details to come!).

Applications are available online.

Ready to explore the skies and create something extraordinary? Submit your application today!

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Have More Questions?

Contact Youth Programs Manager Keonia Ridley

keonia.ridly@mi-sci.org

(313) 577-8400 ext. 428