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Spark!Lab + Detroit = Innovation

April 12, 2016 by Tricia Edwards

We opened our fifth Spark!Lab National Network location at the Michigan Science Center

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“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.”

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A young visitor tests his flying invention in the Vertical Wind Tunnel

A young visitor tests his flying invention in the Vertical Wind Tunnel

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.

SparkLab_sparklab_network-MI-04-02-2016_cKateWiley-Smithsonian_opening-066.JPG

Birds' eye view of Spark!Lab Detroit

Spark!Lab Detroit

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.

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Young visitors to Spark!Lab learn about the invention process as they work through their ideas from start to finish

Young visitors to Spark!Lab learn about the invention process as they work through their ideas from start to finish


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!    

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Dad and son work together to prototype a new car at Invent-A-Vehicle

Dad and son work together to prototype a new car at Invent-A-Vehicle

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