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STEM at HomeDiscover science and connect to the natural world while staying safe and healthy at home!
Check out our virtual programming schedule and browse through our list of resources, activities, crafts, videos, and more to help continue to bring science into your world.
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Summer 2021Let our in-person virtual distance learning programs and family experiences provide a COVID-safe educational experience for your school or community group! We have modified some of our most popular programs to address the health and safety of all our community.
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Field TripMore than 250 interactive science, technology, energy and health exhibits await students of all ages. We’re experts at making sure that bringing your group to the Museum is smooth sailing all the way. Discounted admission for groups of 15 children or more!
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ScienceWorksYour students become scientists during our ScienceWorks Labs. All programs align with National Science Education Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations and Common Core State Standards. Labs are available year-round for preschool to middle school students and are led by an instructor.
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OutreachOur Outreach staff brings the Museum to you—at schools, libraries, community centers, and festivals—by delivering hands-on programming customized to your schedule and curriculum interests.
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Distance LearningExperience live, interactive Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum programs right in your classroom! Our educators use videoconferencing technology to share science and math activities with your students, engaging them in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience.
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ScoutsThe best place for Scouts to explore STEAM!
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Summer CampThrough the Unity in Learning partnership, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Leslie Science & Nature Center, and Yankee Air Museum now offer families incredible day camps at two fantastic locations in Ann Arbor and Belleville.
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Birthday PartiesHave a STEM-tastic birthday party with us at the museum! Join us on Saturdays as we help you and your guests celebrate your special day at the museum.
Whether held at our place or yours, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum education programs and exhibits provide opportunities for children and adults to: Awaken curiosity, stimulate observation and exploration skills, and enhance school curriculum
Our Museum educators design programs that address state and national science and technology education standards. Check out individual program descriptions to learn more about the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations addressed by each program.
Click here to sign up for our Education Newsletter. Click here to view our Education Brochure.
Visit www.unityinlearning.org to open a gateway to hands-on discovery, exploration of the natural world, and experiences that take flight.
Through the Unity in Learning partnership with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Leslie Science and Nature Center, and Yankee Air Museum we provide over 100 different programs at our facilities, on site at your location, or through interactive video conferencing.
Education Programs at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
STEM at Home
Video Clip - The Stroop Effect
How well does our brain process different information at once? How about information that has no relation to each other? Join Senior Program Manager Andrea Reynolds as she takes you the steps of a Stroop Test, and see how these different exercises test how our brain processes different information!
Video Clip - Imagining Life
Adapted from NISEnet’s activity “Imagining Life”, Life on Earth comes in many different forms. Kids will be encouraged to take a walk and observe local wildlife and think about the questions: What would life look like on another planet? What adaptations would be needed to survive?
Video Clip - Seed Dispersal
Understand the adaptations plants possess for their seeds to spread, thrive, and grow. Program Manager Andrea Reynold takes you through some common adaptations, as well as a way to make your own seed helicopter right at home!
Video Clip - Finding Fossils
What are fossils? Where can you find them? Learn answers to these questions while we show off some cool fossils of our own!
Video Clip - The Basics of Recycling
Ever wonder how you can be more sustainable to help keep our earth healthy? Recycling is a great first step! Learn the basics of what it takes to become a recycling expert.
Video Clip - Mind on Magnets
Magnets are all around us, but how do they work? We’ll challenge each other to find magnetic and non-magnetic materials, talk about magnet strength, and find ways we can study magnetism right at home.
Video Clip - Snakes and the Scientific Method
The Scientific Method is a simple, step-by step process on how scientists can best answer their questions or spark curiosity. What better way to learn about this process than through studying wildlife like snakes? Let’s go over the six basic steps to the scientific method, all while learning about a specific animal and where they are found.
Video Clip - DIY Lava Lamps
Have you ever wondered how lava lamps work? Want to make one of your very own? Learn how to make your own lava lamp using simple materials at home, all while exploring the science behind the chemical reactions that make the lava inside the lamp move!
Video Clip - Introduction to Food Chains
Learn about the interaction of living things through an introduction to food chains! Program Manager, Lannis Smith, takes you through what an example food chain could look like, and then challenges you to create your own using different living things found in nature!
Video Clip - Introduction to Life Cycles
What is a life cycle? Do all living things have one? Join us as we go through how living things look different throughout their life cycle and why. We'll also learn more about three main components to a life cycle: The stages, the traits, and why it's all about survival!
Video Clip - DIY Play Dough
Ever wanted to create your own play dough? Not sure what ingredients to use? Join Program Manager Cristina Tamer as she takes you through the kitchen science behind making your own play dough!
Video Clip - Mother's Day Virtual Wildflower Hike
Join us as we explore different natural areas in Michigan to ID some common, native wildflowers! Enjoy this year's Mother's Day with this virtual experience, and we hope those that are watching get the chance to take their own outdoor wildflower hike!
Video Clip - Slime Time & the States of Matter
Is it a solid, liquid or a gas? Get an introduction to the three states of matter through the use of SLIME! Learn how to make one type of slime using glue and borax solution.
DIY Science - Ecosystem Scavenger Hunt
Find as many items as you can as you explore your local ecosystem. View PDF here.
DIY Science - Nebula Spin Art
A nebula is a large cloud of gas and dust in space. It can be created by a dying star (such as a supernova) and is also where new stars are born. Learn how to make your own nebula using a salad spinner! View PDF here.
DIY Science - Imagining Life
Can you think of any plants or animals on Earth that live in extreme environments? Learn all about extremeophiles as you imagine your very own world and the life that could live there. View PDF here.
DIY Science - Hide and Snake
Learn about camouflage as you create your own snake with home made play dough. View our DIY Play Dough recipe here. View PDF here.
DIY Science - Constellation Cups
Learn about constellations and stars with this easy and fun activity. View PDF here.
DIY Science - Leaf & Bark Rubbing
Learn how to create your own leaf and bark rubbings and learn about the way scientists classify leaves. View PDF here and click "More Information" for examples.
DIY Science - Chroma at Home-a
Learn about how colors mix and create beautiful designs. View PDF here.
DIY Science - Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Get outdoors with this fun scavenger hunt! View PDF here.
DIY Science - Insect Bingo
See if you can find all these insects in your backyard! View PDF here.
DIY Science - Monarch Migration Game
Every year, waves of butterflies make the perilous journey south for the winter. With this game, you can try your hand at surviving some of the challenges these butterflies face! Grab a dice, a sticker, and a space outdoors to play the Monarch migration game! View PDF here.
DIY Science - Bird Bingo
See if you can find all of these birds in your backyard! View PDF here.
DIY Science - Rainforest Scavenger Hunt
We get a lot of resources from rainforests all over the world. Can you find items in your house that might have come from a rainforest? View PDF here.
DIY Science - Spring Scavenger Hunt
Get outdoors and learn more about Spring with this fun scavenger hunt. View PDF here.
DIY Science - Sink or Float
Which ones will sink and which ones will float? Will they sink quickly or float down gently? Will the floaters stay floating the whole time? Why do you think that? View PDF here.
DIY Science - Pollinator Scavenger Hunt
Use this scavenger hunt to find pollinators and the host plants that they're attracted to! View PDF here.
Teacher Resource - Animal Classification: Bird (4th-5th Grade)
Animal Classification Practice for 4th-5th Grade. View PDF here.
Teacher Resource - Sound Energy (4th Grade)
Extension Activities for 4th Grade Sound Energy. View PDF here.
Teacher Resource - Animal Classification: Amphibian (1st-3rd Grade)
Label key characteristics about the toad pictured. Describe and draw what its habitat would look like. View PDF here.
Teacher Resource - Sound & Light Energy (1st Grade)
Extension Activities for 1st Grade Sound & Light Energy. View PDF here.
Teacher Resource - Biofacts: Kenyan Sand Boa (All Ages)
Learn all about Kenyan Sand Boas. View PDF here.
Teacher Resource - Forces of Flight (5th Grade)
Extension Activities for 5th Grade Forces of Flight workshop. View PDF here.
Teacher Resource - Biofacts: Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (All Ages)
Learn all about Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. View PDF here.
Teacher Resource - States of Matter (2nd Grade)
Extension Activities for 2nd Grade States of Matter. View PDF here.
Teacher Resource - Bat Biology and Echolocation Activity (4th Grade)
Bat Biology Echolocation Activity for 4th Grade. View PDF here.
Teacher Resource - Exploring Your Five Senses (K)
Extension Activity for Kindergarten Five Senses. View PDF here.
Teacher Resource - Life Cycle Strategies Activities (3rd Grade)
Students will create adaptations for each stage of an animal’s life cycle in order to give it the ability to survive in a new habitat. View PDF here.
Teacher Resource - Michigan Habitat Drawing Practice (2nd-4th)
Draw an Animal or Plant native to Michigan in its habitat. View PDF here.
Teacher Resource - Forces and Motion (K)
Extension Activities for Kindergarten Forces and Motion. View PDF here.
Summer 2021
Outreach Programs Summer 2021
We are excited to offer select outreach opportunities on a case by case basis. These programs can come to your outdoor space for schools, scouts, religious facilities and community centers. If you have an outdoor space and can fulfill the following requirements, please give us a call!
Family Experiences
Join us with your family, Pod or homeschool for fun outdoor STEM and nature family activities!
Distance Learning Summer 2021
Experience live, interactive Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum programs right in your classroom! Our educators use videoconferencing technology to share science and nature activities with your students, engaging them in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience.
Field Trip
Field Trip
Plan an adventure with your students where knowledge is your destination. Students of all ages can explore over 250 interactive science and technology exhibits. Extend your hands-on adventure by booking a ScienceWorks lab. All programs align with Michigan’s Grade Level Content Expectations. Register today!
ScienceWorks
All About Our Senses (Ages 3-5)
Can you see a sound? Smell a color? Come play with us as we explore sight, sound, smell and touch! Register today!
Marvelous Magnets (K-3rd)
Make magnets float in mid-air while testing their ability to attract and repel each other! Students learn all about magnetism by using a variety of materials to explore and design. Register today!
Slime Time! (K-2nd)
Is it a solid, a liquid, or a gas? Investigate the three states of matter by measuring and mixing ingredients for two types of slime. Students are encouraged to dive hands-first into this interactive lab! Register today!
Engineering Design (K-2nd)
Engineer your way through multiple problems. Design solutions while you experience the engineering process through questioning, planning, building, testing, and analyzing your creation. Register today!
Water Cycle (2nd-4th)
Look Beyond the four stages of the water cycle. Engage in experiments and become a water drop as you experience the many paths of a water molecule. Register today!
Outreach
Updated Outreach Programs for Summer 2021
We have updated some of our Outreach programs to allow students to be engaged in hands-on, high-energy learning experiences in science, technology and nature while maintaining a safe environment for everyone. Click here to learn more.
Distance Learning
Cold Blooded Classification: Reptiles
Leslie Science & Nature Center joins us with LIVE reptiles in our lab as we explore what makes a reptile a reptile. Feel the snake or lizard skin specimens we send you while you learn the adaptations that make these animals so successful in the wild. Register today!
Walking Up a Food Chain
Together with the Leslie Science & Nature Center, we will create a food chain using LIVE animals (hawk/owl, snake, frog, spider and roach). Along the way we will discuss how they survive in the wild. Register today!
Halloween Slime Time
Is it a solid, liquid, gas, or something even spookier? Make two kinds of slime as we investigate the states of matter. 
Award-winning program! Register today!
Slime Time and States of Matter
Explore the three states of matter by making two types of slime. Get up and moving to determine what state your matter is in! Award-winning program! Register today!
Bat Biology
Meet up to three live bats with the Leslie Science & Nature Center! Join in as we take an up close look into the wondrous world of bats! Explore what makes bats so unique, why they're important across the globe and try your hand at being an expert echo-locator using a simple tool to understand sound! Register today!
Critters in the Cold
Let’s take a virtual trip to Antarctica! Touch “blubber,” feathers and more as we learn how animals adapt to extreme weather. Award-winning program! Register today!
The Fossil Record
Take a look at actual fossils, discover the clues that they hide, and learn how to interpret their stories which unfolded millions of years ago. Award-winning program! Register today!
Owls from the Inside Out
Leslie Science & Nature Center brings LIVE owls to you as we explore predatory adaptations and behavior. We dissect owl pellets and identify owls’ favorite prey. Award-winning program! Register today!
Cow Eye Dissections
Get a closer look at the anatomy of the eye and how it works together with the brain to create visual images when we dissect real cow eyes. Museum provides cow eyes, gloves, and safety glasses (yours to keep). School must provide its own dissection tools. Award-winning program! Register today!
Scouts
Scout Camp Ins
Whether you are getting all the Pack families together, or organizing a retreat for all the Girl Scouts in your area, our custom Camp In programs will fill your night with fun, play, and plenty of STEM Learning.
Custom Scout Programs
Our custom workshops are currently on hiatus. Please watch this space for more Scouting opportunities coming in 2019. For details, or questions regarding any of our Scouts programming, fill out our Contact Us form.