![]() ![]() Recent numbers of visitors have been encouraging, though, Larson said. "We can find a way to meet people where they're at that gives us a new opportunity to create stronger relationships and serve the mission of the science center," he said.īefore the pandemic, the center had about 170,000 visitors a year. Both are programs Larson would like to see continue. The center also introduced live, virtual programming for local schools. One new program Impression 5 developed was providing STEM kits for families enrolled in Head Start, a federal early childhood education program. "Everybody that had a business that was dependent on people walking through the door was hurting," Larson said. Like many businesses that rely on foot traffic, Impression 5 had to adapt during the pandemic. How a hands-on museum rebounds from the pandemic To share a story, fans can email Larson or by calling 51 and dialing extension 143. "It's been one of my favorite places my entire life," he said.Īs part of its 50-year celebration, the center is collecting stories about people's experiences at Impression 5. Long before he became executive director, he volunteered at the center as a teenager. ![]() "They're two peas in a pod."īuilding memories and encouraging curiosity are critical to Impression 5's mission, Larson said. He expects a flair for science to sprout from his wife's relationship with her grandson. The connection between grandparent and grandchild can be very special, Pope said, citing his own love for baking inspired by his grandmother. "We bought him blocks, and he's got a robot already," Pope said. She wants to take the 3-year-old to Impression 5 to encourage his curiosity. Lansing resident Martin Pope, who goes by Uncle Jamz, stopped by the center Monday looking for programming available to his wife's grandson. Impression 5 hosts at least two temporary exhibits a year designed to bring new people into the space. The science center has about 30,000 square feet of exhibit space on two floors. The first floor of the museum is currently occupied by an interactive traveling exhibit. "It's the way that we achieve that mission that has obviously changed over the years." "The mission of Impression 5 has always been about hands-on interaction between science and the arts," said Executive Director Erik Larson. Founder Marilynne Eichinger wanted to provide a space for kids to use all five senses to learn about the world around them. Impression 5 first opened in April of 1972. To celebrate, the center is looking back on the past half-century by soliciting memories from the community and raising funds that will see it through the next 50 years. ![]() The young scientists were there for a day camp during their spring break, but hands-on activities happen daily at the science center, which marks its 50th birthday this month. That's what a group of 9- and 10-year-olds were learning Monday at Impression 5 Science Center in downtown Lansing, engaged in an experiment about acidity using chips, water and vinegar. ![]()
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