Area youth enjoy ‘Crazy Science’

By Anastasia Harbuck

Published: July 15, 2008

Kids were crazy about science last week at Wallace College’s Bevill Center during the college’s “Crazy Science” program.
Fourteen children ages 7 to 12 did such fun and unusual projects as making “funny putty” from school glue, liquid starch and temper paint; making and tasting their own carbonated beverages and creating their own “volcanoes” from diet Coke and Mentos candies.
Other experiments included rusting and restoring copper pennies with vinegar and Coca-Cola, making “patriotic colored” water using different ph balances and “making different versions of goo,” said Marcia Hudson of Wallace College.
AMMS science teacher Myra Hicks taught the week-long program and was impressed by her students’ curiosity and quickness.
“They’re very inquisitive. All I have to do is ask a question. This is a great group of kids,” said Hicks.
Hicks added that Crazy Science participants aren’t just having fun. They’re learning important facts about physical science like osmosis, exothermic and endothermic reactions and viscosity.
Children also learned how to use everyday household items like baking soda, vinegar and soft drinks to do fun science experiments. Most important of all, Hicks taught the children about lab safety, following instructions and teamwork.