The Winter Break cleaning of the cannon in in the Dive Deep section of the Extreme Deep exhibition revealed a little more of its history. Visitors uncovered the monogram that indicates the cannon was cast during the reign of the George II, not George III as was originally suspected, and inspection markings indicate that the weapon was likely rejected for use by the Royal Navy. Discovered in the Detroit River in 2011 by Detroit Police divers the cannon is now part of the Detroit Historical Society's collection. The cannon and artifacts from the Alvin Clark are on loan from the Detroit Historical Society as part of the Extreme Deep exhibition at the Institute of Science through May 26.

There is still much to be discovered! Institute visitors will help us learn more about this historic artifact and contribute to its conservation during Spring Break, April 1-5, from 1-4pm each day. Using toothbrushes, visitors will help remove more than 200 years of corrosion on the cannon in preparation for its return to the Detroit Historical Society at the end of May. This is hands-on science and a unique opportunity for the public to participate in the preservation of a local historic relic.

Help us Save the Cannon for future generations and take home a souvenir of your experience. This event, and both the Extreme Deep exhibition and Got Science? Activities (see related article) are free with admission. 

The popular "What's So Great about the Great Lakes" lecture series presented by The Freshwater Forum at Cranbrook Institute of Science and The Nature Conservancy continues on Thursday, March 21 at 6:30pm Great lakes Director of Aquatic Invasives, Lindsay Chadderton will examine the changes in the Great Lakes food chain and native fisheries in Yanking our Chain. Aquatic invasives have brought about tremendous changes in the Great Lakes and the Nature Conservancy is closely involved in monitoring the impact these species have had, and may continue to have. Chadderton  is part of the four person team that developed the environmental DNA surveillance method used to track the invasion of Asian carp in the Chicago Area Waterway System that artificially connects the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River basin. His current research interests include developing new methods for controlling invasive benthic predators and improving biosecurity surveillance efforts across the Great Lakes region. Lindsay previously worked for the Department of Conservation in New Zealand, on a diverse array of coastal marine and freshwater research and conservation projects. He has experience in the management of invasive species in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems including island rat eradication programs and incursion responses efforts to contain or eradicate introduced marine algae, invasive freshwater fish and Didymosphenia geminate, a freshwater diatom commonly known as rock snot. Lindsay earned a BS and MS in Zoology from Canterbury University in Christchurch New Zealand, majoring in limnology.

Each lecture in the series features Nature Conservancy scientists who will cast new light on topics that affect everyone who lives in the Great Lakes' unique ecosystem. In April the series will close with an examination of how land protection has become a conservation strategy around the Great Lakes.  Lectures begin with an opportunity to meet the scientist and a cash bar at 6:30pm, followed by a 7:30pm lecture. Tickets for each lecture are $10 for Nature Conservancy and Cranbrook Institute of Science Members, and $12 for non-members.  To register, visit the Admission Desk at the Institute of Science or register online. Pre- registration for Yanking Our Chain is highly recommended as this is a very popular topic. The "What's So Great about the Great Lakes" lecture series is sponsored by Northern Trust with support from Michigan Public Radio.

Summer Explorer Camp 2013 at the Institute of Science marks the return of wizards, electronics, dinosaurs, galaxies, and more! 

Due to the popularity of its Harry Potter-Themed Science Camp, the Institute has developed "Year II" to give muggles the chance to return to The Cranbrook Institute of "Nature and Methodology" for another exciting week exploring the science behind the Harry Potter series. Hack this Camp! offers 5th-7th graders the opportunity to join the maker movement by learning the fundamentals of electronics, mechanics, programming and more.

Popular summer camp classics such as Explorer Camps and Museum Boot Camp offer Campers ages 5-14 the chance to utilize Cranbrook's 319-acre "outdoor laboratory" and the resources of a museum to discover science and create a lifetime of learning experiences and memories. 

Summer Group programs for camps, day care, senior facilities, or even neighborhood play groups, offer discounted access to the Institute of Science and its programs. Choose a  Museum visit, or a visit and up to four programs, with prices starting at just $8 per person. Optional programs include planetarium or Bat Zone shows for just $1 more. Programs are offered week days June 17 - September 1, 2013. 

Minimum group visit size is twenty paid attendees. One Chaperone is admitted Free for every five children. Due to space limitations additional chaperones may not be able to attend programming. Member Discount does not apply to group visits. Lunch spaces are not scheduled and will be available on a first come, first served basis. To register visit here or call 248 645.3210.