“Wow! Look at my invention fly!”
“Did you know that I just invented a new kind of car?”
“I had this idea and then I actually made into a real thing.”
These were the conversations buzzing around in Spark!Lab when it officially opened at the Michigan Science Center on April 2. Spark!Lab Detroit is the fifth member of the Spark!Lab National Network—and the third to be funded by a generous gift from the Ford Motor Company Fund.
Like all Spark!Labs, the newest addition to the Network is a place where invention comes alive for kids and their families. It’s a place where visitors can create, innovate, collaborate, problem-solve, and invent. Through hands-on activities, they learn about the invention process, inventors and inventions in American history, and innovations that are changing our world today. Most importantly, they are empowered to create their own inventions and to solve problems in individual and unique ways.
From Henry Ford and the automobile to Barry Gordy and Motown, Detroit has a rich history of invention and innovation, which makes the Michigan Science Center an obvious place for our newest Spark!Lab. From the inventiveness and creativity I saw on opening day, I have to believe that Detroit’s next great innovation is right around the corner!