Science of the Cookie

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What pairs well with cookies? Science!

We are teaming up with the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan to explore the science behind baking cookies!

Join us for demonstrations and cookie-related activities each weekend from now through April 9.

Demonstrations include “Cookie Nightmares,” a guessing game using “cookie fails,” to learn about the importance of each ingredient in a classic chocolate chip cookie, and “Cookie Excavation” where you can try out your archaeological skills and practice using tools while carefully excavating chocolate chips from a cookie and map their location on a grid.

Stock up on your favorite Girl Scout Cookies at the Mi-Sci lobby each weekend through April 9.

Vote for Your Favorite Girl Scout Cookie!

Vote now for your favorite Girl Scout cookie flavor! You can vote every day in March for the cookie flavor that has your heart. Each vote counts as an entry into our Cookie Lovers Contest– winners will receive prize packages that include your favorite cookies, admission to the Michigan Science Center, and more!

Vote Now!

One (1) Grand Prize 

  • One (1) one-year Family Membership for four (4)  to the Michigan Science Center, a STEM-related Learning Gift Basket from the Michigan Science Center Gift Store, One (1)  $25 Gift Card to a Serendipity Cakery, and Twenty (20) Boxes of Girl Scout Cookies  (2 of each variety available this cookie season.
  • Total Value $400.00

Ten (1) Runners Up will each receive the following: 

  • One (1) Family Day Pass for Four (4) to the Michigan Science Center and Ten (10) boxes of Girl Scout Cookies (One (1) of each variety available this cookie season)
  • Total Value $122.00

First Friday Late Nights

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Looking for a fun and educational night out? Join us for First Friday Late Nights at the Michigan Science Center! Our Late Nights offer a unique opportunity to explore the museum’s galleries and catch a theater show after hours, with extended hours until 8pm on the first Friday of every month.

With hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and engaging shows, Late Nights at Mi-Sci are the perfect way to discover the wonders of science and technology in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or a unique date night experience, you won’t want to miss our exciting Late Night events.

Here are the Late Night showtimes:

  • Toyota Engineering Theater: Turtle Odyssey – 5pm, 6pm
  • Planetarium: Global Soundscapes – 4:30pm, 6:30pm
  • One World, One Sky – 5:30pm
  • IMAX® Film: Dream Big – 4pm, 6pm
  • IMAX® Lasers: Laser Beatles – 5pm, 7pm
  • Science Stage: Frostology – 5pm, 7pm

Free Admission for WSU Students: Mi-Sci is delighted to collaborate with Wayne State University to offer free admission to its students. This partnership is just one of the many ways we’re working to make science education available to our community. So if you’re a Wayne State student, there’s no need to purchase tickets, just show your student ID at the entrance and come join us for a night of discovery and exploration!

Now Showing

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Add a theater experience to your visit today.

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Mysteries of the Unseen World

Mysteries of the Unseen World reveals phenomena that can’t be seen with the naked eye, taking audiences into earthly worlds secreted away in different dimensions of time and scale.

Show times: 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, Wed-Fri

Theatre: IMAX® Dome Theatre

Ticket pricing: $6 non-members, $3 members, FREE Premium members

Buy Tickets
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Dream Big: Engineering Our World

From the Great Wall of China and the world’s tallest buildings, to underwater robots, solar cars and smart, sustainable cities, “Dream Big” celebrates the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small, and reveals the heart that drives engineers to create better lives for people around the world.

Show times: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, Wed-Sun

Theatre: IMAX® Dome Theatre

Ticket pricing: $6 non-members, $3 members, FREE Premium members

Buy Tickets
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Laser Beatles

From their beginnings revolutionizing rock n roll, to their psychedelic era, this show visualizes the Beatles’ music with energy and beauty. It’s a dazzling light show for all ages!

Show times: 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, Weekends only

Theatre: IMAX® Dome Theatre

Ticket pricing: $6 non-members, $3 members, FREE Premium members

BUY TICKETS
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Turtle Odyssey 4D

Explore the unique lifecycle of an Australian green sea turtle named Bunji and her incredible journey across the open ocean. Narrated by Russel Crowe.

Show times: 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, Wed-Sun

Theater: Toyota 4D Engineering Theater

Ticket pricing: $6 non-members, $3 members, FREE Premium members

Buy Tickets
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One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure

Join Big Bird and Elmo and their new friend Hu Hu Zhu as they explore the night sky and journey to the Moon and back!

Show times: 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, Wed-Sun

Theatre: Planetarium

Ticket pricing: $6 non-members, $3 members, FREE Premium members

Buy Tickets
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Global Soundscapes

Global Soundscapes takes you on an ear-opening journey into the science of sound and the emerging field of soundscape ecology. Embark on a mission to investigate the dramatic soundscapes of Costa Rica’s rainforests, Hawaii’s coral reefs, and Mongolia’s vast grasslands.

Show times: 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, Wed-Sun

Theatre: Planetarium

Ticket pricing: $6 non-members, $3 members, FREE Premium members

Buy Tickets

2022 Appeal Letter

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2022 Appeal Letter

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From astronomy to anatomy, the journey of tomorrow’s innovations begins today. At the Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci), “we put YOU at the center of science” by meeting you where you are and empowering you to discover for yourself the principles and processes of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). We pride ourselves in demystifying the most challenging concepts and making them accessible in ways that create unique, memorable, and fun experiences for everyone.

Ranked #2 in the nation in USA TODAY’s Readers Choice Top 10 Science Museums category, Mi-Sci serves as a community hub for STEM in Detroit and beyond, and a “geek-safe zone” for children, adults, and families alike. We are also recognized as a valued and essential hands-on facility for K-12 schools. We present live science demonstrations, immersive IMAX® Dome films, interactive experiences in our 4D Theater, and awe-inspiring planetarium shows.

This month, Mi-Sci is celebrating its 10-year anniversary! A lot has changed over the years, but science is STILL our middle name. Over a half million K-8 grade students have visited Mi-Sci since 2012, and we inspire students to be curious about the world around them and help them understand that imagination can lead to amazing discoveries. Next year we are collaborating with several universities, corporations, and government entities to promote creative problem-solving and launch an exciting new “playful learning initiative.”

The past few years have been incredibly challenging. From surviving a global pandemic in 2020 and reopening safely within less than 100 days from closure, to navigating a challenging facility shutdown as a result of a sewer backup during the summer rainstorms of 2021, Mi-Sci remains incredibly resilient. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we would be unable to operate and make a positive and lasting impact on our audiences and communities without your generous support. Will you make a gift of support today?

Have a happy and safe holiday season!

Warm regards,

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Christian D. Greer, Ed.D.
President & CEO

P.S. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a direct impact on our mission. Please, make your gift today!

Donate

Giving Tuesday

Help us keep YOU at the center of science!

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Do you remember visiting the Michigan Science Center, or any hands-on science center, as a kid? We hear from lots of visitors that one of their favorite memories is the Plasma Ball – how fun it was to put their hand on the ball and watch the light stream toward it! It’s experiences like these that many kids remember for years to come.

Hands-on science education makes a lifelong impact for so many people – whether that impact is the creation of a joyful memory, a favorite field trip, or even the spark that leads to a future career in a STEM field. Your gift today to support the Michigan Science Center will make a lasting impact for the children who visit this year.

As a nonprofit organization, we cannot do this work without your generous support. Will you give today to ensure that Mi-Sci can continue providing interactive ways for kids of all ages to explore and discover a passion for science?

Please click the button below to make your gift today.

Thank you!

Donate
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Laser Holiday Magic

Laser Holiday Magic

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Celebrate the season with Laser Holiday Magic. We’ve gathered a selection of our favorite holiday tunes and brought them to life with gorgeous laser choreography. Vibrant animations and gorgeous abstracts dance above your heads, as the music takes you away from the hustle and bustle. It might be cold outside, but it’s nice and toasty under the dome. Gather up your loved ones and share the one-of-a-kind experience that is Laser Holiday Magic.

Starting Friday, November 25th, running Weekends through January 4th.

Set List:

  • Joy to the World – Manheim Steamroller
  • Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
  • Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
  • The March – Nutcracker
  • Rockin‘ Round the Christmas Tree – Ronnie lane/Darlene Love
  • We Three Kings – Cast In Bronze
  • Snow Miser – Nick at Night
  • Linus and Lucy – Vince Guaraldi (Lumia)
  • Up on the Housetop – Alvin & the Chipmunks
  • White Christmas – Bing Crosby
  • Russian Dance – Nutcracker
  • Let It Snow – Dean Martin
  • Winter Wonderland – Eurythmics
  • Sleigh Ride – Spice Girls
  • Christmas Eve (Sarajevo) – Trans
  • Siberian Orchestra (Beams)

Tickets coming soon!

Buy Tickets

Noel Night at Mi-Sci

Noel Night at Mi-Sci

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NOEL NIGHT PROGRAMMING:

NOEL NIGHT HOURS, DECEMBER 3, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

The Michigan Science Center will be open for free general admission and will feature a paid holiday themed laser show in their IMAX® theater. A make-and-take activity will also be available.

Reserve

TOYOTA ENGINEERING THEATER:

6:00 pm, 7:00 pm, and 8:00 pm: Black and Brown Theatre will be performing The Snow Queen in the Toyota Engineering Theater. Black and Brown Theatre is a 501c3 non-profit theatre company that seeks to create opportunities for theatre artists of color in the professional Michigan theater scene. The performance runs 30 minutes.
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CHRYSLER SCIENCE STAGE | DANCE SHOWCASE:

5:30-6:00 pm – Institute of Dance at Marygrove
6:15-6:45 pm – Ballet Edge Detroit
7:00-7:30 pm – PKSA Detroit and Rochester Hills Demo Teams
7:45-8:15 pm – Ballet Folklorico de Detroit
8:30-9:00 pm – ConteXture Dance Detroit

IMAX® DOME THEATRE

5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 pm: Celebrate the season with Laser Holiday Magic. We’ve gathered a selection of our favorite holiday tunes and brought them to life with gorgeous laser choreography. Vibrant animations and gorgeous abstracts dance above your heads, as the music takes you away from the hustle and bustle. It might be cold outside, but it’s nice and toasty under the dome. Gather up your loved ones and share the one-of-a-kind experience that is Laser Holiday Magic. Ticket cost $6 per person.

More Ways to Give this Holiday Season

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More Ways to Give this Holiday Season

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Hands-on science education makes a lifelong impact for so many people – whether that impact is the creation of a joyful memory, a favorite field trip, or even the spark that leads to a future career in a STEM field. Your investment today to support the Michigan Science Center will make a lasting impact on the children who visit this year. Instead of toys, give an experience at the Michigan Science Center.

Sign up for our Newsletter if you’d like our deals to be sent straight to your inbox!

Newsletter Sign Up

Discover ways to save during Giving Weekend

We’re having a special Black Friday and Cyber Monday BOGO sale on Mi-Sci Membership! If you buy a membership today, you’ll get a gift membership for free – no code needed! Gift memberships will be automatically added to your order, and sent as a gift certificate next week for you to give to a Science lover in your life this Holiday season. Get the gift that will keep on giving all year long!

Become a Member
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If you buy a membership on Black Friday, you’ll get a gift membership for free – no code needed! Gift memberships will be automatically added to your order, and sent as a gift certificate next week for you to give to a Science lover in your life this Holiday season.

Become a Member
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In honor of Small Business Saturday, we’ll be offering a special discount in the Mi-Sci shop. Ignite the spark that leads to a future career in a STEM field!

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Instead of toys, give an experience at Mi-Sci for the holidays. Non-members receive a 15% discount, and a 25% discount for members on Museum Store Sunday!

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If you buy a membership on Cyber Monday, you’ll get a gift membership for free – no code needed! Gift memberships will be automatically added to your order, and sent as a gift certificate next week for you to give to a Science lover in your life this Holiday season.

Ford Fund’s Free Playful Learning Weekend

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Thanks to the support from our partner Ford Motor Company Fund, Mi-Sci will open its doors to the public for free on Saturday, November 12, and Sunday, November 13.

During Ford Fund’s Free Playful Learning Weekend, Mi-Sci will host various activities, including Build the Change and unique experiences in Spark!Lab and on the Science Stage.  We’re grateful to our partner for helping us in hosting this free community weekend for metro Detroit families and their children.

During your visit to Mi-Sci, don’t forget to visit the latest special exhibit, Level Up, featuring Electric Playhouse Travels, located on the 4th floor in the Science Hall.

This event, sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund, is part of Mi-Sci’s participation in the Playful Learning Network and LEGO’s Learning Through Play initiative.

Reserve for Saturday, November 12: Tickets

Reserve for Sunday, November 13: Tickets

Mi-Sci members, please join us an hour early at 9am both Saturday and Sunday of the Free Weekend: Tickets

The Michigan Science Center’s Newest Exhibit Opens Oct 19

Level Up featuring exciting traveling exhibit Electric Playhouse Travels is now open

The Michigan Science Center is pleased to announce the opening of its newest exhibit, Level Up, an 8,000 square-foot exhibit featuring the traveling exhibit Electric Playhouse Travels. This exhibit connects playing games to problem-solving in daily life and potential careers. 

The installation demonstrates the acquired skills behind what kids love most – video and analog games – to create interactive, immersive learning experiences designed for families and students. 

A unique feature of Level Up is Electric Playhouse Travels, a hands-free digital mix of games, artistic interactives, and experiences waiting for parents and kids to explore. Movements are tracked using projection mapping and sensors for the interactions without needing headsets or other wearable devices. 

Designed to promote healthy, active play that surprises, delights, and inspires movement, all themed to feel like you’re fully immersed in a digital universe. You’ll interact with the space-themed landscape of puzzles, challenges, and wonder. 

Level Up also consists of the following game zones:

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Console Games – Research indicates action gamers are better skilled at using models to solve problems outside of games. In Portal 2 for the Xbox, players must come up with a question, design experiments, and implement solutions while applying advanced physics. Multiplayer modes allow players to collaboratively problem-solve to work toward a collective win against the game.

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Analog Games – Board games teach hands-on STEM skills without the need for a tech component and appeals to a wide age range. Large-scale games in Level Up will allow players to learn design and game mechanics.

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Arcade Zone – The final zone will incorporate a dedicated space for guests to play classic arcade games plus winning games from the Games for Change (G4C) student challenge competition and games in a virtual playground with floor and ceiling projection where students use their body as the game controller.

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The Ames Room – A special room designed to challenge your perceptions of reality by removing all the visual cues we usually use to determine an object’s size. This effect causes objects and people in a seemingly ordinary room shrink or grow depending on their position in the room. When we look at someone inside an Ames Room, our brains are fooled into thinking that the room is a regular square; in reality, the room is trapezoidal, with one corner farther away than the others. Mi-Sci’s Ames Room will also feature a selfie station for those who want to share their experience.

Level Up is open through June 2023 but Electric Playhouse Travels is only open through January 3, 2023 and is located in the fourth floor Science Hall.  The cost is included in Mi-Sci’s general admission price.

Reserve your tickets today.

Tickets