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linktr.ee/discovercognition Cognition is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit science and discovery center for all children and families who reside in Benzie County and the surrounding northern Michigan region. The center is located in the village of Beulah, Michigan. Cognition offers science-based experiences which promote exploration and inquiry for families and children. In order to be relevant and interesting to all ages of guests, Cognition offers a variety of activities that range from holding live tortoises and hedgehogs, to building large marble mazes or exploring electrical circuits. The program provides opportunities for participants to explore the world around them through a variety of activities including coding, robotics, art, exploration and animal discovery. Activities promote visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning which enhances a child’s ability to learn about the world around them in an organic way. The founders of Cognition recognized that there was a significant need within Benzie County to provide hands-on, educational experiences for children to explore and study the world around them regardless of abilities, socio economic challenges, etc. We recognize that families are in need of an opportunity to meet in an environment which encourages interaction and connection in an authentic way. Cognition first opened in late 2016 in a small retail space of 800 sq ft. Since then, the center has built a membership base that represents about 500 family members and engages thousands of returning visitors each year. With thousands of visitors, hundreds of members, dozens of field trips, and a solid core volunteer team, Cognition has become ingrained in the northwest Michigan region. In 2019 the John and Kay Miller family gifted a building to Cognition, expanding our space approximately 4,000 sq ft. Cognition was able to raise support from local individuals, family foundations, and organizations to pair with a final line of credit for this expansion project, “Operation Growth Spurt.” The secured funds and hundreds of hours of community service provided for the initial building improvements and renovations, culminating in ADA compliance in a unique and inspiring environment that is open and operating. With tremendous community support, the main building renovations were completed and Cognition safely reopened to the public in August, 2020. The science and discovery center has become an essential asset to the region during the isolation and limited opportunities of the pandemic. Providing children a safe place to socialize, supplement formal education, and explore in a safe, interactive environment has never been more necessary.
