Sat 4/16 @ 10AM-5PM
Sun 4/17 @noon-5PM
Most baby boomers will recognize the name Yuri Gagarin. And the artsy ones among them will curse it. Sputnik, the first space satellite in 1957, and Gagarin, the first person in space in 1961 — both achievements of the Soviet Union — launched a big educational focus on science in the U.S., embarrassed by this USSR victory in the cold war.
But there’s no more USSR and no more cold war, and now the Great Lakes Science Center is celebrating Yuri’s Weekend to honor the first man in space and introduce kids to all of the wonders of outer space. There will be activities and demonstrations going on all day all around the building.
There’ll be a portable inflatable planetarium to crawl inside while learning about the constellations. There’ll be a 3-D printing creating miniature rockets to demonstration how 3D printing technology works. Kids can learn about the chemistry and physics behind space travel and how vacuums work, using objects like marshmallows and balloons or make a space helmet out of cardboard and other ordinary items. And they can pose for a picture in the outer space photo booth and take home a photo to tell grandma that they really did go on that space flight — no, honestly! There’ll even be a cosmic-themed dance party, complete with moon boots, for the youngest kids, ages 7 and under.
Everything is free with regular admission: $15 for adults, $12 kids 2-12.
greatscience.com/yuris-weekend