Animal “Grossology”

Animals of all shapes and sizes engage in a variety of gross behavior, but much of it serves a valuable purpose. Learn why dung beetles eat manure, why cows break wind and the utility of slug slime.

Through Jan. 1, 2008, The New Detroit Science Center, 5020 John R St., Detroit, 313-577-8400. Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Exhibit free with regular admission.

For more information, go to www.detroitsciencecenter.org/events/AnimalGrossology.htm.

Jelly Belly Presents “Candy Unwrapped”

There’s more to candy than what meets the taste buds. Our sweet tooth is stimulated by all of our senses. Through interactive exhibits, Candy Unwrapped explains the historical uses of sugar, and explores the chemistry of candy and its appeal to our palate.

Sept. 28 – Dec. 31, 2007, Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 248-645-3200. Museum is open Saturday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Exhibit free with regular admission.

For more information go to http://science.cranbrook.edu/common/news_detail.asp?newsid=392707&L1=2&L2=4&L3=.

Overnight Adventure

Four different overnight programs are available to schools, scouts and other children’s groups: The Science Sampler features activities involving slime, water and static electricity workshops; the Forensics Experience focuses on evidence collection and analysis techniques such as fingerprinting, blood analysis, and toxicology; Astronomy Explorers features telescopes, exploration of light and the Rover challenge; and Dinosaur Adventure offers lessons on fossils and paleontology. Overnights begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9 a.m. Adventures without an overnight stay are also available.

Nov. 2007 – May 2008, Impression 5 Museum, 200 Museum Drive, Lansing, 517-485-8116. Museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; workshops are from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information go to www.impression5.org.

How Things Work

Celebrate the Silver Anniversary of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum at its recently opened Legacy Gallery. The Gallery’s inaugural permanent exhibit is a tribute to Dr. H. Richard Crane, author of the book “How Things Work.” Experience 21 interactive exhibits, including gears and pulleys; locks; and generators, motors and electronic switches.

Permanent exhibit, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor, 734-995-5439. Museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

For more information go to www.aahom.org/exhibits/index.htm.