A nascent institution forming in Petoskey, Michigan, Science Quest Michigan will form a bond between the natural and physical sciences as it celebrates and interprets the Upper Great Lakes. These drawings, prepared for fund raising purposes, illustrate the overarching concepts for the Museum. Science Quest Michigan

 

 

The Transformations Prologue intoduces the idea of constant, immutable change relative to the history of the Earth... our world in flux... as it takes measure of the changes we are witnessing today,... their recent and ongoing impacts upon the Great Lakes.

 

Time Tunnel is a 400 million year long journey. Reaching from the Devonian era reef that Petoskey rests upon to the most recent ice age, Life on Earth is illustrated in vivid large format animations that carry the visitor towards today.
Six "Biome" Galleries: Rivers, Lakes, Wetlands, Meadows, Forests and Dunes join in surrounding a larger Great Lakes Gallery to form the Hall of the Great Lakes. They provide a comprehensive view of the differing habitats found in the surrounding lands as they invite visitors to study and explore each. Living creatures blend with static exhibits and media.
The centerpiece Lake Michigan Tank shows how our environment is rapidly changing. On one side, the Lake fifty years ago, before the Lamprey truly took hold. On the other, the Lake today... and a clear view of the vast changes wrought by invasive species.
The STEAM disciplines form the interpretive subtext throughout the exhibits. High definition video screens mounted overhead celebrate the richness and beauty of the natural world surrounding us while hands-on and based media interactives add to the learning environment . The Epilogue bookends the experience. The takeaway... that we, as individuals, must become enlightened stewards of our land and lakes... our Earth.
Exiting the exhibits guests enter an inspiring, grand public space with expansive views over Little Traverse Bay; the Grand Rotunda. Surrounded by the Changing Exhibit Galley, Theater, Cafe and Gift Shop, it provides access to the outdoor terraces, sculpture garden and beach. The Rotunda will accomodate special events, conferences and facility rentals.

 

A series of especially produced films will celebrate the rich natural history of the northern Great Lakes, trace the stories of their peoples, settlement and development and inform viewers of the urgent issues regarding their future. The Theater will play a vital role in expressing the museums vision: To enhance the understanding of our changing natural world and advance the stewardship of Northern Michigan.