Axalta Community Free Day

The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) and Axalta Coating Systems are hosting a Community Free Day on Friday, April 5th, from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Special programming will focus on space exploration and astronomy, and Axalta will feature its 2024 Global Automotive Color of the Year, “Starry Night.”

Starry Night is a black shade with light blue and silver flakes that evokes the depths of our universe and space exploration, representing bold imaginations and the drive to reach new heights.

The event is also presented in partnership with Six Rivers Land Conservancy and the Michigan Educational Trust, which will have a table where patrons can learn more about how to help save for college tuition.

“Axalta has been a proud supporter of Mi-Sci for several years through our Axalta Bright Futures program,” said Dan Naugle, vice president, Mobility Americas at Axalta, and board of directors for Mi-Sci. “We’re committed to making a positive impact in the communities where our employees live, work and raise their families. Through engagements like this one, we have a chance to share our passion for innovation, better living and a sustainable future.”

“Space is one of our most popular core content areas, and we are incredibly excited to help Axalta debut ‘Starry Night’ as their 2024 Color of the Year,” said Dr. Christian Greer, President and CEO of Mi-Sci. “The Universe is seemingly infinite in all directions, and this unique color represents the awesome vastness and mystery of deep space.”

Some of the activities and exhibits include:

● LEGO Build the Change – Use LEGO bricks to complete a design challenge related to sustainability and space travel.

● Amazing Astronomy Science Demonstration – Science Stage – 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – In this show, audience members will learn the basics of rocket science and space travel.

o At 5 p.m. Dan Naugle, vice president, Mobility Americas at Axalta, and member of the Mi-Sci board of directors, will give remarks

● Astronaut Tools Challenge – Test your skills like astronauts do: wearing gear like gloves and helmets that challenge dexterity!

● National Informal STEM Education Network (NISENet) Space Activities – Build your own moon base camp, design a mission medallion to commemorate your journey into outer space and learn how astronauts keep their rockets full of fresh, breathable air.

● Telescope Assembly – Learn about the design of telescopes by assembling one.

● Sphero Robots – Visitors can learn computer programming by using code to drive Sphero BOLT Robots through an obstacle course designed using DUPLO blocks and cones.

● Mobile Activity Stations inside Mi-Sci

o Earth Wind Weather exhibit – What’s the Impact? Learning about craters activity

o STEM Playground – Straw Rockets – Launching rockets educational activity

o Lower Level 1 – Vacuum chambers and pressure in space – The pressure in outer space is not like the atmospheric pressure on Earth. Explore what happens to objects in low pressure environments like outer space.