Simon Mall Kidgits Spring Break with Discovery Place

"Mad Scientist" explaining molecules.

 Katy, taking it easy, sitting in the back after the loud *Pop!* of a balloon and large fire ball.

Liquid Nitrogen experiment- Katy decides to get a little brave and creep a little closer to the action.

Today, Discovery Place was putting on a demonstration as part of the Simon Mall Kidgits Spring Break program. We got a visit from a "mad scientist"- complete with lab coat and safety goggles- and he taught us all about gas, liquids and solids. He did all sorts of cool experiments to help demonstrate how different objects react with each state of matter.

There was fire! There was liquid nitrogen! There were shrinking balloons and banana hammers! We learned about static electricity with an electrified silver ball.

All in all, it was a very engaging demonstration (coming from the adult's perspective). Katy was interested and excited... that is, until there was a large fire ball (demonstrating what happens when fire and helium meet)- that scared her a bit. Then, there was a loud "POP!" when the balloon came out of the liquid nitrogen- that REALLY scared her and caused her to leave the group of seated kids and come running and crying to me in the back! After the balloon pop, Katy was a little skittish and spent the remainder of the demonstration in my lap, happily munching away on Cheddar Bunnies.

As we were leaving, hand in hand, Katy looked up at me and said, "That fun, Mommy. Thank you. I like it." Melt my heart!