Learning Labs
Learning Labs are facilitated, focused, hands-on learning experiences for school groups. They are multi-disciplinary and aligned with Illinois Learning Standards.
Students in the Museum Crime Lab complete an activity. Learning Lab Guides provide vocabulary, pre- and post-visit activities and additional resources to enhance each lab.
Learning Labs are offered from September 21, 2010 through June 11, 2011. Please contact us if you need to accommodate students with special needs such as learning ability, language or physical ability.
Learning Labs Schedule
Learning Labs are offered on Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:15 a.m. and 11:45 am, except:
Heart Surgery 101: Tuesdays only
Life Begins: Tuesdays only
ER/OR: Tuesdays and Thursdays only
More Information
Learning Labs
Learning Lab
- City Science: Building Bridges
- Students learn about the basics of structural design as they design, build, and test bridges and explore potential careers.
- 4th -8th grade
Learning Lab
- ER/OR
- Explore medical careers and cutting-edge medical technologies by "training" as a resident.
- 7th - 9th grade
Learning Lab
- Evidence Lab
- Students use hands-on forensic science techniques and analyze DNA, bullets, blood spatter and trace evidence to solve a crime.
- 8th-12th grade
Learning Lab
- Heart Surgery 101
- Learn about careers in the OR and handle real surgical tools in a facilitated discussion featuring a pre-recorded session of open heart surgery.
- 7th - 12th grade
Learning Lab
- Life Begins: Puberty, Reproduction & Prenatal Development
- A trained health educator provides an overview of reproduction, fetal development and the birth process. Tuesdays only.
- 5th grade
Learning Lab
- Live ... from the Heart
- This interactive videoconference takes you live into the operating room to talk with a surgical team as they perform a bypass procedure.
- 8th - 12th grade
Learning Lab
- Museum Crime Lab
- Students solve a crime at the Museum using fingerprint analysis, chromatography, white powder analysis and microscopy techniques.
- 4th-8th grade
Learning Lab
- Renewable Energy: Cars of the Future
- Students explore new technology like hydrogen fuel cell cars and discover how some of the latest renewable energy resources work.
- 6th-10th grade
Learning Lab
- Simple Machines
- Students learn about the energy and work behind simple machines by competing in a challenge using pulleys, levers, inclined planes and more.
- 3rd-6th grade
Learning Lab
- Submarine Lab
- Tour the historic submarine, participate in hands-on activities and explore the science and history behind the U-505.
- 4th -8th grade
Learning Lab
- Testing the Waters
- Students explore the watershed and use environmental science methods to determine the quality of Chicago-area water samples.
- 4th -8th grade
CASE
The Center aims to inspire the next generation of inventors and innovators with programs that empower teachers, engage the community and excite students.
- Happening Now
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Smart Home: Green + Wired
Chicago's greenest home re-opens with a fresh look and new technology.
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Hubble
Take an unprecedented voyage through distant galaxies with the first space-based observatory.
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Legends of Flight
Soar along with pilots in search of the "ultimate flying experience."
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- Coming Soon
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Jim Henson's Fantastic World Member Preview
A private viewing night for members to experience this new exhibit.
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TEDxWindyCity
MSI hosts the latest local TED event: "The Best Ideas Since Sliced Bread."
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Jim Henson's Fantastic World [COMING SOON]
A rare peek into the imagination of this brilliant artist, puppeteer and filmmaker.
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New Online Activities
- Online Activity
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See the Colors in Leaves
Use chromatography to separate the pigments in leaves and see what they're made of.
- Online Activity
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Fly a Hot-Air Balloon
See what happens when air is heated as you build and fly a huge hot-air balloon.
- Online Activity
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Build an Electric Motor
Magnets and electricity work together to make an electric motor.