BIGGER THAN T. REX: GIANT KILLER DINOSAURS OF ARGENTINA

The recently discovered Giganotosaurus and Mapusaurus skeletons dwarf even the mighty T. Rex. See their enormous remains with your own eyes and explore the world they lived in. Also view T. Rex and other dinosaur fossil heads and enjoy hands-on activities.

Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art, 1801 W. St. Andrews Rd., Midland, Mich. Jan. 20 through May 15, 2011. Open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 14 and under.

For more information, call 989-631-8250 or 800-523-7649 or go to www.mcfta.org/ ExhibitionsABDMdino.html.

JOURNEY OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Air Zoo’s space shuttle ride offers a 3-D tour of the life of an astronaut. Through this simulation, join the crew working to assemble the International Space Station, and see what Earth looks like from space. 

Air Zoo, 6151 Portage Rd., Portage, Mich. Open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free; ride tickets are $2.00.

For more information, call 269-382-6555 or 866-524-7966 or go to www.airzoo.org/page.php?menu_id=12.

MONARCH BUTTERFLY AND CECROPIA MOTH

Watch the metamorphosis of Monarch butterflies and Cecropia moths, from caterpillars eating and preparing cocoons, to beautiful butterflies and moths flying free. If you’re lucky, you may catch one just emerging from its chrysalis.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor, Mich. Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. Opens at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesdays. Tickets are $9.00.

For more information, call 734-995-5439 or go to www.aahom.org/exhibits/index.php.

COLLECTIONS, SCIENCE, AND SCHOLARSHIP

This exhibit offers access to the very collections researchers use to learn more about anthropology, paleontology and zoology. Expand your understanding of how scientists in the field discover the things taught in classrooms.

University of Michigan Museum, 1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor, Mich. Open Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free for groups under 10 people, with a suggested donation of $6.00. Contact the museum for group rates.

For more information, call 734-764-0478 or go to http://bit.ly/f7tGSY.

SIMPLE MACHINES

Experience one of Impression 5’s newest exhibits, where you can learn how simple machines can make lifting yourself on a pulley chair or raising a 500-pound block of cement easy tasks.

Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Dr., Lansing, Mich. Open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $5.00. 

For more information, call 517-485-8116 ext. 32 or go to www.impression5.org/mos/view/ Exhibits/Exhibits/Simple_Machines/.