STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and STEAM (the same as STEM but with Arts added) activities and education is considered a priority for many Ann Arbor families. Thankfully, Ann Arbor area has an abundance of resources in these areas.
STEAM Park, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
STEAM Park provides interactive and hands-on learning activities for kids of all ages. Its goal is to “inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and artists.” Intriguing interactive contraptions include a window Maze, Airfoil, Propeller Chair, and a first-in-the-world digital Roulette Curve. The facility also offers experimental activities, play and problem-solving challenges.
220 East Ann Street, Ann Arbor
Maker Works
This collaborative “maker space” offers equipment, tools and other resources for DIY projects. It also serves as a community hub where people can create prototypes and bring their ideas to life for hobbyists, students and inventors. It is a great place for the novice and the professional, people wanting to learn more and work on projects and people developing prototypes for business ideas.
3765 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor
Leslie Science and Nature Center
Leslie Science and Nature Center offers educational programs, wildlife exhibits, nature/outdoor activities and community events. It also collaborates with local groups to promote environmental consciousness and sustainability. The live animal exhibits, nature trails, and hands-on activities are favorites.
1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor
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ID Tech Camp
ID Tech Camp is a summer camp for ages 7 to 17. It usually occurs at various locations at the University of Michigan. Students can choose from a variety of classes, such as coding, game design and artificial intelligence. There are generally low student-to-instructor ratios in the classrooms.
FIRST Robotics Club
FIRST Robotics clubs are associated with various high schools in Ann Arbor. FIRST stands for: “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.” FIRST is an international organization that promotes STEAM learning and various robotic competitions. The teams not only learn STEAM skills but also teamwork, project management, community outreach and more.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
PLTW is a national nonprofit experience that has shaped learning for K-12 students across the county. AAPS implements the PLTW program in elementary through high school. The program offers a hands-on, project-based curriculum that sharpens students’ STEAM, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
May Mobility
Take a ride with the family in a driverless vehicle. Riders simply ask for a free pick-up place with the May Mobility app from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. May Mobility is the second-ever public microtransit in the state of Michigan. Points of pick-up and drop-off include popular stops like U-M, Venue, and Kerrytown. Taking a May Mobility ride is a great way to give your child a first hand experience with advanced artificial intelligence.
U-M Museum of Natural History (UMMNH) and Planetarium
This museum focuses on the science of the natural world. Some exhibits include the dinosaurs/fossils, geology, and Michigan wildlife. There is also a state-of-the-art planetarium to learn more about the night sky.
1109 University Ave., Ann Arbor
All Hands Active (AHA!)
All Hands Active (AHA!) is a group of “makers and hackers.” One of their goals is to democratize technology. Their projects include circuit board prototyping and spinning wool. Founded in 2009, they offer resources, tools and expertise.
255 East Liberty St., Ann Arbor
Book a Tool—Ann Arbor District Library
Ann Arbor District Library has many STEM/STEAM tools to check out, including a telescope, graphing calculator, metal detector, binoculars and analog mixer. The library also hosts many STEAM events, such as the Ann Arbor Creativity and Making Expo and the WARPUR robotics event. WARPUR stands for Washtenaw Area Pick-Up Robotics and is free for high school FIRST robotics teams in Ann Arbor.
Ann Arbor STEAM at Northside School
This school features a project-based, integrated STEAM curriculum. Many of the assignments focus on teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving.
912 Barton Drive, Ann Arbor
