The Science of Salt Opens at the MSU Museum

A new interactive exhibit, The Science of Salt, is now open at the MSU Museum, inviting visitors to explore the surprising science behind one of Earth’s most essential minerals. The exhibit will be on view following the grand reopening of the MSU Museum and is free and open to the public.

The Science of Salt is a broader impacts project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF EAR-2242904). Designed to engage audiences of all ages, the exhibit highlights the vital role rock salt plays in everyday life, introduces the fundamentals of crystallography, and connects these concepts to cutting-edge Earth science research.

Ph.D. student Luisa Chavarria played a leading role in the development and design of the exhibit’s interactive modules. Drawing on her research on Earth’s mantle, the exhibit bridges real-world applications of salt with the deep processes shaping our planet, helping visitors understand how microscopic crystal structures relate to large-scale geological systems.

Through hands-on learning and accessible explanations, The Science of Salt showcases how a familiar material can reveal powerful insights into Earth science, materials research, and the natural world.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by the MSU Museum this spring and experience the exhibit after the museum’s grand reopening.

🔗 Learn more about the exhibit:
https://museum.msu.edu/exhibition/the-science-of-salt/