Detroit, Mich., March 26, 2024 – The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) and Axalta Coating Systems are hosting a Community Free Day on Friday, April 5th from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Special programming will focus on space exploration and astronomy, and Axalta will feature its 2024 Global Automotive Color of the Year, “Starry Night.”
Starry Night is a black shade with light blue and silver flakes that evokes the depths of our universe and space exploration, representing bold imaginations and the drive to reach new heights.
The event is also presented in partnership with Six Rivers Land Conservancy and the Michigan Educational Trust, which will have a table where patrons can learn more about how to help save for college tuition.
“Axalta has been a proud supporter of Mi-Sci for several years through our Axalta Bright Futures program,” said Dan Naugle, vice president, Mobility Americas at Axalta, and board of directors for Mi-Sci. “We’re committed to making a positive impact in the communities where our employees live, work and raise their families. Through engagements like this one, we have a chance to share our passion for innovation, better living and a sustainable future.”
“Space is one of our most popular core content areas, and we are incredibly excited to help Axalta debut ‘Starry Night’ as their 2024 Color of the Year,” said Dr. Christian Greer, President and CEO of Mi-Sci. “The Universe is seemingly infinite in all directions, and this unique color represents the awesome vastness and mystery of deep space.”
Some of the activities and exhibits include:
● LEGO Build the Change – Use LEGO bricks to complete a design challenge related to sustainability and space travel.
● Amazing Astronomy Science Demonstration – Science Stage – 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – In this show, audience members will learn the basics of rocket science and space travel.
o At 5 p.m. Dan Naugle, vice president, Mobility Americas at Axalta, and member of the Mi-Sci board of directors, will give remarks
● Astronaut Tools Challenge – Test your skills like astronauts do: wearing gear like gloves and helmets that challenge dexterity!
● National Informal STEM Education Network (NISENet) Space Activities – Build your own moon base camp, design a mission medallion to commemorate your journey into outer space and learn how astronauts keep their rockets full of fresh, breathable air.
● Telescope Assembly – Learn about the design of telescopes by assembling one.
● Sphero Robots – Visitors can learn computer programming by using code to drive Sphero BOLT Robots through an obstacle course designed using DUPLO blocks and cones.
● Mobile Activity Stations inside Mi-Sci
o Earth Wind Weather exhibit – What’s the Impact? Learning about craters activity
o STEM Playground – Straw Rockets – Launching rockets educational activity
o Lower Level 1 – Vacuum chambers and pressure in space – The pressure in outer space is not like the atmospheric pressure on Earth. Explore what happens to objects in low pressure environments like outer space.
In addition, guests will have access to the center’s hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a Smithsonian Spark!Lab, STEM Playground and more, plus the Above & Beyond exhibit exploring innovations in aerospace. Tickets to the Toyota 4D Engineering Theater will be available for purchase at the box office.
Tickets for Community Free Day are free but must be reserved in advance. Please visit this link to make reservations.
About The Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) is a Smithsonian affiliate that inspires nearly 250,000 curious minds of all ages every year through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) discovery, innovation and interactive education in Detroit and across Michigan. As a STEM hub, Mi-Sci focuses on developing and introducing expanded education programs, exhibits and initiatives to empower and enrich our children and community. Through their Traveling Science Program and distance learning initiative, ECHO Live!, Mi-Sci is expanding beyond its Detroit-based facility, with a goal of reaching all 83 counties of Michigan. With the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater, live science demonstrations, lab activities and 220+ interactive exhibits, there are dozens of ways to customize your Mi-Sci visit. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive funding from Detroit or the state of Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, Mi-Sci.org.
About Axalta
Axalta is a global leader in the coatings industry, providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable coatings solutions. From light vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications to electric motors, building facades and other industrial applications, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enhance durability. With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the global team at Axalta continues to find ways to serve our more than 100,000 customers in over 140 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit axalta.com and follow us on LinkedIn and @axalta on X.