Spark. Discover. Build.

Michigan Innovation Lab

Where kids do real science and engineering.

Hands-on STEM experiences for grades 3–6 in Bay City & Saginaw. Small cohorts, proven curriculum, real outcomes — and the confidence that comes from building something yourself.

Share your interest See our programs
6 Students per cohort
8 Weeks per session
2 STEM tracks
6 Levels to earn

Our mission

Inspiring the next generation of innovators.

MiLab students working together at the lab table

Our mission is to inspire the next generation of innovators by providing engaging, hands-on experiences in science, technology, and engineering. Through small-group instruction, real-world problem-solving, and project-based learning, we empower students to explore, create, and develop the confidence and skills needed to become tomorrow's inventors, engineers, and leaders.

🔍 Curiosity ▼
We encourage students to ask questions, explore ideas, and seek understanding.
💡 Creativity ▼
Innovation begins with imagination. We celebrate original thinking and problem-solving.
💪 Perseverance ▼
Mistakes are part of learning. We teach students to embrace challenges and keep trying.
🤝 Collaboration ▼
Great ideas grow through teamwork, communication, and supporting one another.
⚙️ Innovation ▼
We use technology and engineering to turn ideas into real solutions.
🏅 Integrity ▼
We foster honesty, responsibility, and respect in everything we do.
🏗️ Confidence Through Creation ▼
Building something with your own hands builds confidence that lasts a lifetime.

What we offer

Two tracks. One mission.

Every program runs 8 weeks with a hard cap of 6 students — small enough that every kid gets real attention every session.

⚗️

Power of Hydrogen

Real pH chemistry using fruit juice, water, and test strips. Students run experiments, record data, and build genuine lab skills — including safety practices they'll carry into every science class ahead.

Science Lab safety Grades 3–6 1 hr/week
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🖥️
✦ Coming soon

Intro to CAD (Onshape)

Computer-aided design using the same tools real engineers use — every student finishes with a 3D-printed model they designed themselves. We're building this track now. Join the waitlist to be first in line when it opens.

Engineering 3D design Grades 3–6 1 hr/week
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Level progression

Earn your way up.

Badges aren't given — they're earned. Click any level to see what students learn and achieve at each stage.

1
Explorer
2
Investigator
3
Analyst
4
Innovator
5
Researcher
6
Mentor Scientist

Level 1

Explorer

Focus: Curiosity and basic scientific habits. Kids learn safety rules, how to observe, how to record data, and how to ask good questions.

Typical achievements

  • Completing simple experiments from start to finish
  • Demonstrating safe lab behavior consistently
  • Recording observations and asking follow-up questions

Level 2

Investigator

Focus: Hands-on experimentation. Students begin forming hypotheses, using measurement tools, and following multi-step procedures.

Typical achievements

  • Designing a simple test with a clear hypothesis
  • Using equipment correctly and independently
  • Working effectively in pairs on shared experiments

Level 3

Analyst

Focus: Understanding results. Students interpret data, compare outcomes, troubleshoot experiments, and communicate findings clearly.

Typical achievements

  • Creating charts and graphs from experimental data
  • Explaining sources of error in their experiments
  • Proposing improvements to an existing experiment

Level 4

Innovator

Focus: Creativity and engineering. Students build prototypes, solve open-ended challenges, and combine multiple science concepts into original solutions.

Typical achievements

  • Completing a design challenge with a working prototype
  • Iterating on a design based on test results
  • Combining concepts across experiments to solve new problems

Level 5

Researcher

Focus: Independent inquiry. Students plan and run a small project, gather data over time, and present their work to the group.

Typical achievements

  • Leading a team task from planning to presentation
  • Documenting a multi-session experiment with full notes
  • Presenting findings clearly to peers and instructors

Level 6

Mentor Scientist

Focus: Leadership and mastery. Students help younger groups, run demos, and assist instructors — teaching is the highest form of understanding.

Typical achievements

  • Teaching a concept to a younger or newer student
  • Running a demonstration for the group independently
  • Guiding a team through a full challenge from start to finish

Ready to spark something?

We're not open yet — but we're listening. Share your interest and you'll be first to hear when our first cohorts open.

Share your interest