Michigan Science Center's Traveling Science Program Helps Students With MEAP Performance

DETROIT, Aug. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) is ready to begin the new school year with an exciting lineup of educational community-outreach programs designed to support Michigan science Grade Level Content Expectations and help schools increase Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) test performance scores. Its outreach program, Traveling Science, conveniently brings Mi-Sci educators into the classroom to lead specially designed programs, such as MEAP ME! workshops, when schools are unable to take field trips to the museum.   

"Getting students energized about science and on track at the start of the school year, while also helping schools with their MEAP testing benchmarks, is a win-win opportunity. School districts are seeking opportunities for students to participate in hands-on science, technology, engineering and math activities because they are our future. Today's kids have the potential to significantly impact the economic strength of Detroit and Michigan tomorrow," said Julie Johnson, director of education, Michigan Science Center. "Whether we are bringing Mi-Sci into the classroom or students are coming to the museum, our programs offer dynamic learning experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime."

Traveling Science
Mi-Sci's Traveling Science team brings a fun, fresh twist to education without kids having to leave the classroom, and will help students in fifth and eighth grades prepare for the MEAP with Science Palooza and MEAP ME! Challenge Trivia programs for half price from Sept. 11 – Oct. 4. In addition to these programs, Mi-Sci will help students with presentations and hands-on activities encompassing the three areas of natural science – physical, earth and life – through highly interactive programs, including 15 workshops, to let kids explore with STARLAB (an inflatable, portable planetarium), build a roller coaster and even dissect a cow eye!  The museum's outreach program also offers live animal workshops where students in kindergarten through fifth grade can discuss biological traits and expand their understanding of animal adaptations. Check our website for costs and reservation information. 

MEAP ME! Field Trips
For schools able to take a break from the classroom, Mi-Sci also offers customized MEAP ME! field trips on-site for students to learn core testing concepts. MEAP ME! includes a game show-style MEAP rally on the Chrysler Science Stage, a scavenger hunt and demonstrations focusing on chemistry, math, space, earth, life and physical sciences. MEAP ME! field trips run from Sept. 18 - Oct. 4 and cost $6 per student or $8 per student with admission to a Chrysler IMAX^® Dome Theatre or Dassault Systemes Planetarium show. The program is open to elementary students on Wednesdays and Fridays and middle school students on Thursdays. Detroit Public School teachers have the opportunity to participate in the program with Title One funding.

For more information about MEAP ME!, Traveling Science or general outreach programming, contact outreach coordinator Charles Gibson at 313.577.8400, ext. 238, or [email protected]. For additional information about MEAP ME! field trips, call 313.577.8400, option 5.

Educator Open House
On Thursday, Aug. 22, teachers across the region have a chance to learn about the Traveling Science program, MEAP ME! field trips and everything Mi-Sci has to offer by taking a field trip of their own to experience all of Mi-Sci's educational activities free of charge. Participating teachers will receive backstage access to the exhibit, "The Science of Rock 'n' Roll," and have the opportunity to check out the featured IMAX^® film, "To The Arctic." The event incorporates special workshops on the Next Generation Science Standards and Google Apps, including resources to take back to the classroom. Teachers should contact [email protected] to RSVP by Aug. 19.

About The Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center is a hands-on museum that inspires children and their families to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The Science Center features five theaters, including Michigan's largest screen at the Chrysler IMAX^® Dome Theatre; the Dassault Systemes Planetarium; the Toyota Engineering Theater; the DTE Energy Sparks Theater; the Chrysler Science Stage; a 9,800 square-foot Science Hall for traveling exhibits; hands-on exhibit galleries focusing on space, life and physical science; Kidstown just for pint-size scientists; and, education and outreach programs.

For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, http://www.michigansciencecenter.org.

SOURCE Michigan Science Center