Young Explorers
The Michigan Science Center’s Young Explorers Program invites our youngest scientists (ages 2-5, not yet enrolled in kindergarten) to dive into a range of STEM topics based on the theme of the week. These classes incorporate elements of literacy, social-emotional learning, play, pattern-recognition and improving motor skills to engage our guests in the world of science and design.
Program Details
Ticket price includes one child and one adult participant. General admission must be purchased separately. The adult participant may be a parent, grandparent, babysitter or any other adult excited about exploring with their Young Explorer. All classes include activities and crafts designed to be completed with the assistance of the caregiver.
Additional adults and children may not attend due to space constraints and program design. Infants may be brought, but are asked to be in a carrier so adult hands are free to assist their Young Explorer with activities.
Discounts are available for Mi-Sci members only. Consider purchasing a Family Membership today to enjoy discounts on Young Explorers and so much more!
Class Schedule and Descriptions
| Dates | Class Name | Class Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 Sunday, March 5, 2023 |
Week 1: Red is for Magnets |
Magnets are like magic! Explorers will see how magnets push and pull on certain materials, then make a magnetic sculpture of their own. |
|
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 Sunday, March 19, 2023 |
Week 2: Orange is for Vegetables |
Ever wonder how plants become the food we eat? Explorers will determine just what vegetables need to grow and learn some American Sign Language along the way. |
|
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 Sunday, April 2, 2023 |
Week 3: Yellow is for Stars |
Explorers will learn all about our nearest star: the Sun! Find out how the Sun makes life on Earth possible, while exploring its importance to other planets in our solar system. |
|
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 Sunday, April 16, 2023 |
Week 4: Green is for Frogs |
Amphibians have unique adaptations that help them live on land and in water. Explorers will discover what makes frogs unique (and potentially dangerous!). |
|
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 Sunday, April 30, 2023 |
Week 5: Blue is for Water |
Water may seem ordinary, but not to a scientist! Explorers will dive into chemistry experiments that all involve this seemingly simple liquid. |
|
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 Sunday, May 14, 2023 |
Week 6: Pink is for Brains |
Put on your thinking cap to explore how brains power all the things people do! Test all five senses and learn how brains let us perceive the world. |
|
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 Sunday, May 28, 2023 |
Week 7: Gray is for Robots |
Robots are everywhere! Find out how robots are designed to be helpful in our every day lives and how to spot them all around. |
|
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 Sunday, June 11, 2023 |
Week 8: White is for Light |
Light is all around us and helps us to see. With the help of some scientific tools, Explorers will bend light and find hidden colors! |
Select Grade Level
Camper groups are determined by the grade a camper will ENTER in the fall. Click the tabs to explore camps by grade and register.
Grades 1-2
- June 26-30 | Outdoor Adventure
We’re going green this week as we explore the flora and fauna of our beautiful planet Earth! Campers will get out into nature to learn about native plants and animals, design solutions to protect endangered species, and tackle challenges that test their wilderness survival skills.
REGISTER
- July 5-7* | Science Spectacular
During this special, three-day camp we’ll be showing off the “best-of” Mi-Sci where campers experience a highlight reel of fun, whacky science experiments and activities, plus special access to our favorite theater and stage shows. From slime-making, to rocket science, to animal encounters – this week will leave you wanting more.
*Science Spectacular camp runs Wednesday to Friday (no camp Monday or Tuesday) and will be automatically discounted during checkout.
REGISTER
- July 10-14 | Master Builders
It’s time to tinker! This week is all about engineering and exploring what’s possible while bringing our wildest ideas to life. Campers will visit the Smithsonian Spark! Lab to design, build and test new ideas and participate in building challenges designed by the LEGO Foundation to imagine a brighter, more sustainable future.
REGISTER
- July 17-21 | Mission to Mars
Campers will put their astronaut skills to the test to see if they have what it takes to survive and thrive on the Red Planet. Learn how scientists are planning to grow food, find water, and create a home for humankind on our nearest neighboring planet. Could YOU be the first to step foot on Mars?
REGISTER
- July 24-28 | Lost in Space
All systems go for launch! Campers will put their astronaut skills to the test to launch rockets, see gravity in action, and solve problems in space. Adventure beyond the solar system and learn about the stars, planets, and galaxies that make up our universe.
REGISTER
- July 31-Aug 4 | Science by Design
We’re blending science and art to create colorful masterpieces and engineering marvels! Campers will experiment with pigment, light, and different building materials to learn about the many ways science makes art possible during this colorful week of camp.
REGISTER
- August 7-11 | Fizz Bang Science
Get ready, get set, get messy during chemistry week at Spark! Camp. Campers will create chemical reactions, experiment with states of matter, design their own custom slime, and learn what makes things go KA-BOOM (safely, of course!).
REGISTER
- August 14-18 | Game On!
Experience all the ways that games help us to develop new skills in a week that’s all about learning through play! Campers will learn basic game design as they play and create a variety of game types. From board games, to extreme sports, to virtual reality; campers will be “Leveling Up” their STEM skills all week long.
REGISTER
Grades 3-4
- June 26-30 | Outdoor Adventure
We’re going green this week as we explore the flora and fauna of our beautiful planet Earth! Campers will get out into nature to learn about native plants and animals, design solutions to protect endangered species, and tackle challenges that test their wilderness survival skills.
REGISTER
- July 5-7* | Science Spectacular
During this special, three-day camp we’ll be showing off the “best-of” Mi-Sci where campers experience a highlight reel of fun, whacky science experiments and activities, plus special access to our favorite theater and stage shows. From slime-making, to rocket science, to animal encounters – this week will leave you wanting more.
*Science Spectacular camp runs Wednesday to Friday (no camp Monday or Tuesday) and will be automatically discounted during checkout.
REGISTER
- July 10-14 | Master Builders
It’s time to tinker! This week is all about engineering and exploring what’s possible while bringing our wildest ideas to life. Campers will visit the Smithsonian Spark! Lab to design, build and test new ideas and participate in building challenges designed by the LEGO Foundation to imagine a brighter, more sustainable future.
REGISTER
- July 17-21 | Mission to Mars
Campers will put their astronaut skills to the test to see if they have what it takes to survive and thrive on the Red Planet. Learn how scientists are planning to grow food, find water, and create a home for humankind on our nearest neighboring planet. Could YOU be the first to step foot on Mars?
REGISTER
- July 24-28 | Lost in Space
All systems go for launch! Campers will put their astronaut skills to the test to launch rockets, see gravity in action, and solve problems in space. Adventure beyond the solar system and learn about the stars, planets, and galaxies that make up our universe.
REGISTER
- July 31-Aug 4 | Science by Design
We’re blending science and art to create colorful masterpieces and engineering marvels! Campers will experiment with pigment, light, and different building materials to learn about the many ways science makes art possible during this colorful week of camp.
REGISTER
- August 7-11 | Fizz Bang Science
Get ready, get set, get messy during chemistry week at Spark! Camp. Campers will create chemical reactions, experiment with states of matter, design their own custom slime, and learn what makes things go KA-BOOM (safely, of course!).
REGISTER
- August 14-18 | Game On!
Experience all the ways that games help us to develop new skills in a week that’s all about learning through play! Campers will learn basic game design as they play and create a variety of game types. From board games, to extreme sports, to virtual reality; campers will be “Leveling Up” their STEM skills all week long.
REGISTER
Grades 5-7
- June 26-30 | Outdoor Adventure
We’re going green this week as we explore the flora and fauna of our beautiful planet Earth! Campers will get out into nature to learn about native plants and animals, design solutions to protect endangered species, and tackle challenges that test their wilderness survival skills.
REGISTER
- July 5-7* | Science Spectacular
During this special, three-day camp we’ll be showing off the “best-of” Mi-Sci where campers experience a highlight reel of fun, whacky science experiments and activities, plus special access to our favorite theater and stage shows. From slime-making, to rocket science, to animal encounters – this week will leave you wanting more.
*Science Spectacular camp runs Wednesday to Friday (no camp Monday or Tuesday) and will be automatically discounted during checkout.
REGISTER
- July 10-14 | Master Builders
It’s time to tinker! This week is all about engineering and exploring what’s possible while bringing our wildest ideas to life. Campers will visit the Smithsonian Spark! Lab to design, build and test new ideas and participate in building challenges designed by the LEGO Foundation to imagine a brighter, more sustainable future.
REGISTER
- July 17-21 | Mission to Mars
Campers will put their astronaut skills to the test to see if they have what it takes to survive and thrive on the Red Planet. Learn how scientists are planning to grow food, find water, and create a home for humankind on our nearest neighboring planet. Could YOU be the first to step foot on Mars?
REGISTER
- July 24-28 | Lost in Space
All systems go for launch! Campers will put their astronaut skills to the test to launch rockets, see gravity in action, and solve problems in space. Adventure beyond the solar system and learn about the stars, planets, and galaxies that make up our universe.
REGISTER
- July 31-Aug 4 | Science by Design
We’re blending science and art to create colorful masterpieces and engineering marvels! Campers will experiment with pigment, light, and different building materials to learn about the many ways science makes art possible during this colorful week of camp.
REGISTER
- August 7-11 | Fizz Bang Science
Get ready, get set, get messy during chemistry week at Spark! Camp. Campers will create chemical reactions, experiment with states of matter, design their own custom slime, and learn what makes things go KA-BOOM (safely, of course!).
REGISTER
- August 14-18 | Game On!
Experience all the ways that games help us to develop new skills in a week that’s all about learning through play! Campers will learn basic game design as they play and create a variety of game types. From board games, to extreme sports, to virtual reality; campers will be “Leveling Up” their STEM skills all week long.
REGISTER