The Museum of Science and Industry offers multiple Learning Labs.
Click here to visit the museum's Learning Labs website.
Learning Labs
MSI offers several carefully designed learning labs that provide a structured experience to students, providing a deeper level of understanding of the subject area-- and even more fun!
Learning Labs are approximately 75 minutes long and provide focused, hands-on experiences for school groups planning to visit our exhibits. The teacher's guide for each learning lab includes materials teachers can use to reinforce the lab experience af ter returning to the classroom.
All learning labs are multi-disciplinary and are oriented to meet selected Illinois State Goals and CPS standards.
We currently offer the following learning labs:
MSI is pleased to bring you the only LEGOTM Mindstorms Learning Lab in the United States. In this highly interactive lab, students get to build and program intelligent LEGO robots that can play sports or meet various challenges in a Treasure Hunt. Using the cutting edge in LEGO technology, this is a learning experience your students will never forget!
Available for grades 4 to 8. Capacity of 24 students. Two labs available per time slot. Fee: $50.
Environment: Tales from the Underground
In this lab, students work to identify a contaminant threatening the water supply in the fictional town of Wheatville. Students test their hypothesis using a town model, chemical testing and geological samples from field investigation sites.
Available for grades 6 to 10. Capacity of 30 students. Fee: $50.
IMAGING: Mystery at the Museum
Students use techniques of forensic science to identify an unconscious woman found at the Museum. Students use one of four investigative tools (microscope, fingerprint analysis computers, x-ray and MRI's, and face-a ging computer programs) to solve the mystery. Each teacher attending a Mystery Lab with their class will receive the new Mystery Teacher Guide and kit free.
Available for grades 3 to 7. Capacity of 32 students. Fee: $50.
AIDS: Fighting the War Within
The first permanent exhibit of its kind in the U.S., students can learn about the human body's immune system and how HIV and AIDS can damage it. In AIDS: Fighting the War Within Learning Lab, students explore prevention, testing, drug therapies and methods that scientists are using to try to block the virus at different stages.
Available for grades 6 to 10. Capacity of 30 students. Fee: $50.
Unique Footwear/Petroleum Planet
Students become scientists, creating a new material for an athletic shoe. Students will learn what polymers are and where they come from as they create polymers for athletic shoes. They'll also run various tests on their material, modifying the formula as they make sure it can actually meet the needs of real athletes.
Available for grades 6 to 10. Capacity of 34 students. Fee: $50.
Enterprise: Ball Enterprise
Students run a juggling ball company. Students work in each of the company's three divisions: marketing, finance, and production. Students utilize math skills and teamwork to ensure the company's success.
Available for grades 7 to 12. Capacity of 36 students. Fee: $50.