Wayne State University held it's second annual STEM Day on March 13th, inviting over 2000 regional middle school students to our campus. The Department of Physics and Astronomy, including the Planetarium, had fun with over 200 of those students in Old Main. Dr. Jerry Dunifer and Dr. Matt Barrett performed our Phantastic Physics Phenomena, while doctoral candidate Ben Coughenour hosted our Wonders of the Universe planetarium show.

"We're always thrilled to share our love of physics and astronomy with students," says Planetarium Director Megan McCullen, "Middle School students are at a great age to visit Wayne State and learn about the kinds of science that happens at the college level. Hopefully events like this will encourage some students to opt-in to science that might not otherwise."

Particularly popular demonstrations included the fire tornado display and freezing flowers in liquid nitrogen.

Throughout the year, Planetarium shows and Physics demonstrations can be arranged for K-12 classes for a fee. For more information on bringing a group to the Planetarium please contact our staff at outreach@physics.wayne.edu or 313-577-2107.

Free public planetarium shows are held almost every Friday night. For more information on these events, please visit our public shows page, or contact us.