The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM), in partnership with Brewery Vivant, will offer a series of three Beer Explorers classes inspired by the new exhibit Earth Explorers, and in conjunction with ongoing Science Tuesdays programs. Each class will offer a different scientific approach to the brewing and tasting of beer.
The three classes will be held June 21, July 19 and Aug. 16. Classes begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Barrel Factory on the 1st floor of the GRPM. Admission to each class includes general admission to the Museum as well as three beer samples. A cash bar will also be available. Tickets for the June and July classes are $5 for members and $15 for non-members; tickets for Aug. 16 are $8 for members and $18 for non-members.
Classes will be led by Ryan Engemann, Wandering Monk Sales Representative at Brewery Vivant. Ryan has a vast knowledge of all things beer, first having worked for Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City and then Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire. While working for Right Brain, Ryan became the first Certified Cicerone® in Northern Michigan.
June 21 – Science of Beer
Beer has been there from the beginning of the scientific revolution. From providing sanitary nourishment to the development of modern medicine, beer has been an integral influence on the development of science. Join the GRPM and Brewery Vivant to explore this fascinating topic, over a beer of course. This class will cover the history of science and beer, as well as examining how science is used in a modern brewery.
July 19 – Science of Flavor with a guided tasting
Explore the science of flavor to learn how taste and aroma combine for the delicious flavor you love, all in the context of and while sampling some wonderful craft beers. The event will conclude with a guided beer tasting in the style of a traditional beer judging contest.
Aug. 16 – Yeast Science/Wild Fermentations
Explore the microbiome of beer with a full-time beer brewer. This class will explain how microorganisms in the natural world are able to make the beer you love. This event will feature rare sour and wild fermentation ales from Brewery Vivant’s new Plein De Vie series.
Science Tuesdays
Science Tuesdays is an ongoing educational experience, offering science programming based on changing themes each month. Every Tuesday in June visitors engage with activities with the theme of Exploration! Science Tuesdays take place throughout the day every Tuesday at the Museum and include a variety of activities and interactive displays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities are free with general admission to the Museum.
In June, science stations including using telescopes, learning how astronauts work in Space, learn about underwater explorations utilizing scuba gear, learn about terrestrial navigation through hands on compass activities and explore how airplanes fly. Kids can try out their hand at flight by making their own paper airplanes and competing in flight contests against other Museum visitors.
Future Science Tuesdays programming will be themed around activities happening at the Museum. For upcoming months’ themes and activities please visit grpm.org.
Earth Explorers
Organized around Earth’s eco-zones, Earth Explorers brings the unparalleled adventures of National Geographic to life. Earth Explorers allows visitors to let their imaginations run wild as they become explorers and embark on an adventure to discover new species, study animal behavior and learn about the important roles technology, innovation and ingenuity play in making and documenting these discoveries. The exhibit is free with Museum admission and will be on display through Sept. 4..
