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Learning Labs

Virtual Labs Now Available

Reserve a virtual session of some of our popular Learning Labs, scheduled at a time that works best for your classroom schedule. A Museum educator leads an engaging science lesson for up to 35 students. The 45-minute sessions (Mars 2020 and Weather Wise) cost $100 and use common household materials. Live from the Heart is a 2.5-hour program and costs $250. Learn more below.

Grades 5-8

Mars 2040

Learn how NASA plans to get the first manned mission to Mars by the year 2040.

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Grades 3-5

Weather Wise

Explore atmospheric phenomena and learn how scientists predict weather.

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Grades 9-12

Live from the Heart

Talk with a surgical team and explore careers while watching live heart surgery via videoconference.

In-Person Learning Labs on Pause

In-person Learning Labs have been cancelled at this time, but we look forward to welcoming field trip groups back in the future. Please email Learning.Lab@msichicago.org with questions.

Facilitated, focused, hands-on learning experiences for school groups aligned to Next Generation Science Standards.

Led by a Museum educator, Learning Labs connect with classroom curriculum and are designed to increase science knowledge, engage students in the scientific process, and provide insight into STEM careers.

Labs accommodate 30 to 35 students and cost $120 to $140 (except Live from the Heart, which is $300). You'll have access to key vocabulary and pre- and post-visit classroom activities to continue your exploration.

Contact us if you need to accommodate students with special needs such as learning ability, language or physical ability.

 

 

Grades 4-8

Colorful Chemistry

See what happens when you mix chemicals and add some heat.

Grades 9-12

Evidence Lab

Explore forensic science techniques as you analyze DNA, blood spatter, bullets and trace evidence to solve a crime.

Grades 6-8

Mars 2040

Work together to keep a colony of humans on Mars alive, using real research to investigate how to meet their needs.

Grades 7-12

MedLab: Heart Disease

Diagnose heart disease with medical tests, equipment and a human patient simulator.

Grades 3-5

Weather Wise

Learn how air pressure can predict the future and make your own weather forecast with a green screen.

Grades 4-8

Crime Lab

Solve a crime with fingerprint analysis, chromatography, white powder analysis and more.

Grades 6-8

Exploration Mars with NASA

Research, design, launch and land a rover on Mars, and have a live video call with a NASA expert.

Grades 7-12

MedLab: Asthma

Analyze cells and complete real medical tests to diagnose asthma in a human patient simulator.

Grades 4-8

Moving With Newton

Explore Newton's three laws of motion through hands-on activities.

Grades 4-8

Engineering Design: Bridges

Design, build and test bridges with the engineering design cycle.

Grades 9-12

Live from the Heart

Talk with a surgical team and explore careers while watching live heart surgery via videoconference.

Grades 7-12

MedLab: Diabetes

Complete real medical tests using lab tools and work with a human patient simulator to diagnose diabetes.

Grades 3-5

Science Design: Investigating Pendulums

Design an experiment to explore the nature of science.

Home School Learning Labs

Home school students can participate in specially scheduled Learning Labs held monthly on Tuesday mornings.

Learning Lab Scholarship Fund

Economically disadvantaged schools can apply for scholarships through the Baxter International Inc. Learning Lab Scholarship Fund.

Interactive Classroom Experience

MedLab is a unique iPad-based program that leads students through an authentic medical science simulation using innovative touchscreen activities.