The Space Laboratory offers exhibits that correlate to two themes from the Michigan Curriculum Framework -- Content of the Universe and Scale of the Universe. Exhibits in the Space Laboratory include three telescopes positioned at varying heights that allow visitors to learn how astronomers use telescopes to study distant objects, a Solar System Distance Scale where visitors will be able to position each planet the correct scale distance from the sun, the Our Place in the Sun, How Much is a Billion and the Are We There Yet exhibits. Visitors also can see the newest images from the Hubble Space Telescope and Spitzer Space Telescope, along with live NASA launches and images from the International Space Station all in high definition video on our giant video screen in front of the Dassault Syst�mes Planetarium.

This exciting space laboratory was created with the support of Congressman Joe Knollenberg and funding from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The Detroit Science Center's exhibits life science explain the Laboratory explains the wonders of nature with spectacular exhibits and interactive displays. Observe the similarities between urban and rainforest ecosystems by comparing the wildlife that inhabits these environments. Unleash the secrets of DNA and explore the workings of the microscopic world.

Like the other Science Center laboratories, Life Sciences addresses subjects required by the State of Michigan Curriculum Framework for Science Education, including cells, the organization of living things, heredity and ecosystems.

Among the many exhibits, explore:

• Step Into Heart Health�- a 1,200-square-foot exhibit with interactive displays, quizzes and important heart health information. 
• TAM - our transparent anatomical model (TAM) reveals the workings of the human body.
• Eekstein's Workshop - a special area where visitors can participate with various science-based activities and demonstrations.

Opens April 3! With 39 hands-on exhibits spanning 2,800 square feet, the Fun Factory will allow visitors to experience how the manufacturing process turns ideas into reality with the aid of computer design, prototypes, simulations, conveyors, robots, statistics and more.

Motion

Motion exhibits incorporate content from the State of Michigan Curriculum Framework for Science Education, including Speed and Direction, Changes in Motion and Unbalanced Forces. The laboratory features interactive displays that demonstrate the principals of motion, speed and direction.

Among the many exhibits are:

• It's Revolutionary - takes you into the world of pendulums and gyroscopic motion with a three-story Foucault pendulum and a 1,700-pound flywheel.
• Cranks-a-Lot - reflects technology that drives the Motor City: Visitors provide the force to power a giant V-4 engine, plus a wall that showcases ingenious gear ratios. A power transmission shows methods used to convert one type of motion to another.

 Matter and Energy

Matter and Energy exhibits demonstrate fundamental principals of electricity and magnetism, energy conversion and the properties of matter. Visitors can observe various forms of energy, the relationship between energy and magnetism, and changes in matter and how they are related to changes in energy. Like the other laboratories, Matter and Energy addresses subjects required by the Michigan Curriculum Framework for Science Education, such as the transformation of energy; investigation, description and analysis of energy; the transformation of matter; and the human technological impact upon matter and energy.

Matter and Energy includes interactive tabletop exhibits to allow exploration of circuits, electrical loads and patterns created by magnetic fields. How much energy is required to power a small light bulb? Find out by operating a hand-crank generator.

Among the many exhibits in the Matter & Energy Laboratory, explore:

• The Hot Air Balloon - a balloon rises 30 feet to the ceiling above the seats of the DaimlerChrysler Science Stage. The balloon rises because of heated air that is blown inside.  As the air cools, the balloon descends and the process repeats.
• The Tornado and Molecular Motion Chamber - demonstrates the relationship between heat energy from the sun and weather processes. Temperature results from molecular action, or vibration. The process is displayed within a chamber full of ball bearings that represent molecules. The temperature in the chamber increases with the accelerated vibration of the ball bearings.
• DTE Energy Sparks Theater - is an electrifying experience. Electricity earns its star billing as it sparks and dances to amaze Science Center visitors. The theater is contained within a Faraday cage to ensure safe demonstration of lightning bolts, and is grounded separately from the Science Center. A Tesla coil, can crusher and several other electrical phenomena play supporting roles.

Waves & Vibrations

Light and sound are created by physical and electromagnetic waves, which are featured in a series of highly sensory exhibits that demonstrate the transfer of energy through wave motion.
Like the Science Center's other labs, Waves and Vibrations is based on the State of Michigan Curriculum Framework for Science Education. Subjects addressed include light and shadows, sound waves, vibrations, waves, and the   transfer of energy by waves and vibrations.

Explore the electromagnetic spectrum at interactive tabletop displays that investigate microwaves, radio waves, x-rays and visible light. Discover how light reflects and how it is absorbed. Sound wave displays look at the science of pitch, amplitude and reflection. Visitors also can "play" with mechanical waves to observe how they transfer energy, as well as explore the motion of vibrating objects.

Among the many exhibits in Waves and Vibrations, explore:

• Slice of Light - Make light reflect, refract, absorb and scatter. Experience the wonders of light though prisms, lasers, fiber optics and oscilloscopes. A lens wall, mirror wall and a unique kaleidoscope further the excitement of light exploration.
• The Laser Harp - Combine the wonders of light and sound waves. Get a "sound" reward by interrupting a laser beam.
• Play With Sounds - Play With Sounds offers a "sound" playground. Raise your voice in song for a duet with a singing bowl. Whisper across a void and have fun with big (shive) waves. What do tuning forks, Slinkies, vocal chords, piano strings with oscilloscopes and weights on a spring have in common? Visit this exhibit to discover the answer.

Ford Learning Resource Center

Our Ford Learning Resource Center provides five uncommonly cool classroom environments that educators and group may reserve to conduct programs or use as "home base" during group visits. Study in space or be surrounded by six North American biomes. Step back in time in our 19^th century Life Sciences classroom or into the future with our high-tech Applied Sciences room. Walk through the infinity mirror into our Physical Sciences classroom. These classrooms are often used by teachers for school field trips, scout badge programs, overnight camp-ins, workshops, professional teacher development and after-school programs.

The center's classrooms provide unique educational experiences in five scientific disciplines (click HERE for photographs):

• Space Sciences Classroom - resembles the interior of a space station and includes a wraparound space mural.
• Earth Sciences Classroom - features an interactive, wraparound mural that displays North America's six biomes: coral reef, temperate forest, wetland, grassland, mountain and desert.
• Life Sciences Classroom - allows students to experience the role of an amateur scientist in a 19th century era laboratory. The lab combines classic laboratory equipment with current technology.
• Physical Sciences Classroom - step through the infinity mirror! Discover the worlds of light, sound, magnetism, electricity, motion and force.
• Applied Sciences Classroom - houses a design lab to allow visitors to design, engineer and build their vision of the future. It's also a place where computers from IBM are available for running programs or surfing the Internet.