The Energy Lab for 4th Grade
Longway Planetarium
This new workshop series provides content experiences that connect to one another, all aligned with new state standards. These workshops can be completed individually or in any combination. You can even choose to complete all four programs in one day. Programs are available as field trips, or as outreach programs at your school.

Catch A Wave!
Energy moves in waves! Students will use duct tape, skewers, and gummi bears to build wave models that demonstrate how energy is transferred. Kids will explore electromagnetic and mechanical waves, wave frequency, and amplitude while building a wave bottle.
MSS/NGSS: 4-PS4.A, 4-PS3.A, 4-PS3.B

Light
Explore the properties of light energy while using mirrors and flashlights to change the path of light. Practice geometry skills while identifying points, line segments, angles, and rays in the light system kids design. See how light can be separated into the colors of the rainbow.
MSS/NGSS: 4-PS4.B, 4-PS3.A, 4-PS3.B

Eye Dissection
Students will explore the structure and function of an eye while learning how objects are seen when light reflects off the surface and enters the eye. Students will work in teams to dissect a sheep eye.
MSS/NGSS: 4-PS4.A, 4-LS1.A, 4-LS1.D

Earthquake Construction
Seismic waves move energy through the earth. Students will work in teams to engineer earthquake resistant towers. Kids will test their designs on the earthquake shake table to see if they can survive the quake.
MSS/NGSS: 4-PS3.A, 4-PS3.C, 4-ESS2B, 4-ESS3.B, 4-ETS1.B

Plan Your Field Trip
For reservations, call 810-237-3409
Use the 2021-2022 Education Guide to plan your field trip or outreach program.
View the Interactive or PDF.
View each section of the guide:
General Information
Featured Exhibits
History & Social Studies at Sloan Museum
Hands-on Science at Longway Planetarium
>The Energy Lab for 4th Grade
>Get Ready for M-STEP Activities
Planetarium Theater Shows
School Day Takeout Programs
Portable Dome Theater
Family STEM Nights
View Interactive Brochure