The unctuous Old Navy ad campaign has already begun, the 9-cent bottles of Elmer's Glue are flying off Office Depot's shelves and dammit if 64-packs of Crayola crayons aren't on sale for crazy cheap prices. "But it was 103 degrees outside last week," you say? No matter. Like it or not, the kids are on their way back to the school, but there's time for one last hurrah for the poor underage things. If you didn't notice it already, the New Detroit Science Center's summer programming is better than ever. Here are some offerings that will be ending shortly (and, shhh, we won't tell the kids they're educational).
Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure: Using macroscopic technology and a killer sound track, this giant-screen IMAX view of the bug world takes a look at the surprisingly dramatic and sometimes-savage insect world.
Mystery of the Nile: Join geophysicist Pasquale Scaturro as he travels via raft and kayak through some of the most remote areas in the world. High points of this IMAX film include a three-dimensional raft ride through Ethiopia's desert canyon and run-ins with crocodiles, hippos, armed bandits and blinding sandstorms. (Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon is the third current giant-screen selection.)
SPACE: A Journey to Our Future: Extended until Sept. 10, this touring exhibit uses interactive exhibits and state-of-the-art projection and audio technology to bring space exploration to life. Highlights include rocks from the moon and Mars, a walk-through a full-size space habitat and a simulated launch experience.
Robots! An Interactive Experience: Based on the animated feature about mechanical wonder Rodney Copperbottom and his friends the Rusties, this exhibit uses art and film to welcome kids into the real-life world of robotics.
Detroit Science Center is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday; 5020 John R, Detroit; 313-577-8400. Call for group reservations.
Eve Doster is the listings editor of Metro Times. Send comments to [email protected]
