Causes: Arts & Culture, Children's Museums, Education, Elementary & Secondary Schools, Literacy, Museums, Science & Technology Museums

Mission: The Mission of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is to inspire people to discover the wonder of science, math and technology. Our vision is to be the leader in imaginative and interactive learning experiences. Our 2007-2011 strategic plan establishes an overarching strategic goal of community ownership and engagement. To reinforce that strategy, we have defined three supporting strategic goals, created new mission and vision statements, defined our core values and established guiding principles. Our plan establishes measurable outcomes in support of our commitment to be a community-based, community-relevant and community-centered organization. We will deliver informal educational experiences designed to promote lifelong learning. Our goal is to increase science literacy; to enhance public interest in math, science and technology issues; to promote knowledge of career opportunities and choices; and to create a social learning forum.

Programs: The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum serves over 207,000 people every year through educational programming and the exhibits in the galleries. Our Outreach Program travels the state to provide interactive science education programs to students at their schools and community centers. Our ScienceWorks lab classes provide an hour of in-depth study for students visiting on field trips. All programs meet the Michigan benchmarks and standards. The Museum provides professional development for teachers, Girl Scout and Cub Scout badges, Camp-In overnight programs, after school workshops, preschool classes and Summer Science Camp and Distance Learning Programs. Sciencepalooza, a science street fair, is held the first weekend of every month for the general public. All programs and exhibits have at their core the Museum's mission of interactive science education.