Science Forum

October Demos

Join us in the Science Forum for 15-20 minute engaging science demonstrations that will help you see the world in a whole new way. Demonstrations are appropriate for visitors ages 5 and above.

Counting Cells
Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00 a.m.

The human body is made of more than 37 trillion cells. Most of them need to be replaced every couple of months, weeks, or sometimes in the course of only a few days. Our cells grow and divide constantly to get this massive job done. But how do cells replicate themselves? How do things move in, out, and around the cell, and into new cells? Join us as we explore how our bodies carry out this massive process. We will learn about cell structure and division and observe cells up-close and in action!

Funded by the National Science Foundation.  

How to Become a Fossil
Saturdays and Sundays, 3:00 p.m.

Explore how fossils form and what parts of animals can become fossilized! How old are the earliest fossils? How old does something have to be before it is considered a fossil? You’ll touch some real fossils, learn the different types of fossil evidence, and discover what is necessary to become a fossil.  Finally, we’ll discuss what kinds of things fossils can tell us, and how fossil casts are made in the museum!

*Sunday, September 1, 2019 demonstration will be Cow's Eye Dissection

November Demos

Join us in the Science Forum for 15-20 minute engaging science demonstrations that will help you see the world around you in a whole new way. Demonstrations are appropriate for visitors ages 5 and above.

How to Become a Fossil
Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00 a.m.

Explore how fossils form and what parts of animals can become fossilized! How old are the earliest fossils? How old does something have to be before it is considered a fossil? You’ll touch some real fossils, learn the different types of fossil evidence, and discover what is necessary to become a fossil.  Finally, we’ll discuss what kinds of things fossils can tell us, and how fossil casts are made in the museum!  

Life: How do we find it?
Saturdays and Sundays, 3:00 p.m.

Discover how scientists search for life on other planets. Explore the field of astrobiology and re-evaluate your definition of life. Observe a re-creation of an experiment from the Mars Viking Lander expedition, and learn about what kinds of planets might support life.

October

Most Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m.
Check at the Welcome Desk for schedule.  Join a University of Michigan researcher in the Science Forum for a special peek into cutting-edge research. Interactive presentations last about 15 minutes, with time for conversation afterwards. Presentations are appropriate for ages 5 and up. 

Schedule subject to change.

November

Most Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m.
Check at the Welcome Desk for schedule.  Join a University of Michigan researcher in the Science Forum for a special peek into cutting-edge research. Interactive presentations last about 15 minutes, with time for conversation afterwards. Presentations are appropriate for ages 5 and up. 

Schedule subject to change.