The Michigan Science Center will bring hands-on science demonstrations, including 'Kaboomistry' and 'Frostology,' to schools and community groups across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana during the 2026-2027 school year through its Aramco Traveling Science Program
The Michigan Science Center is set to expand its Aramco Traveling Science Program for the 2026-2027 school year, bringing interactive science demonstrations and workshops to students and families in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. The initiative aims to make STEM education more accessible by delivering hands-on experiences directly to schools, libraries, community centers, and other local organizations.
Supported by Aramco, the program features a range of live science presentations, including explosive chemical reactions and cloud-making experiments. These demonstrations are designed to engage learners of all ages and encourage curiosity about science, technology, engineering, and math.
Interactive Science Experiences
During each visit, Michigan Science Center educators present experiments such as the "Whoosh Bottle," which uses ethanol and a water jug to visually demonstrate the principles of combustion, including the roles of fuel, oxygen, pressure, and temperature. Another popular demonstration uses liquid nitrogen to create clouds, offering a close-up look at how temperature changes affect atoms and molecules and how matter shifts between states.
The program's offerings include "Kaboomistry," which explores the science behind explosions, and "Frostology," a session focused on the properties of liquid nitrogen and the movement of molecules. Additional hands-on workshops cover topics like electricity, wind turbines, DNA, weather, oceans, magnets, and the states of matter. The Discovery Dome, a portable planetarium, is also available for immersive astronomy experiences.
Program Reach and Community Impact
Since its launch in 2012, the Aramco Traveling Science Program has reached more than 500,000 participants across 73 Michigan counties, according to the Michigan Science Center. The program has expanded its reach to both the Lower and Upper Peninsulas and now serves neighboring states as well. Aramco's support allows the Science Center to extend these educational opportunities beyond its Detroit facility, making STEM learning accessible to a wider audience.
Organizations interested in hosting a science demonstration or workshop can submit a request online or contact the Michigan Science Center for more information and reservations. The program is open to schools, after-school programs, summer child care groups, libraries, and community events throughout the region.
Connecting Science and Community
The Michigan Science Center's outreach reflects a broader trend of bringing educational programming directly to communities. Similar efforts, such as the introduction of outdoor StoryWalks by local libraries, have aimed to boost engagement and learning outside traditional classroom settings. For example, libraries across southeast Michigan have expanded their community services, as highlighted in this report on new outdoor literacy programs and community initiatives.
The Aramco Traveling Science Program continues to evolve, offering new ways for children and families to experience science firsthand. By meeting learners where they are, the Michigan Science Center hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators across the region.
The Michigan Science Center is a nonprofit institution based in Detroit, dedicated to advancing STEM education through exhibits, programs, and outreach. Its traveling science initiatives are part of a growing movement to make high-quality science learning available to all communities, regardless of location or resources.
