Dry ice makes for a very cool science program

At minus-109 degrees Fahrenheit, dry ice will definitely be the coolest thing in the room Saturday at Explorit Science Center’s Family Exploration program “A Matter of Science.” This informal, hands-on science exploration will take place from 1-4 p.m. at Explorit’s main public facility at 2801 Second St. in Davis.

“A Matter of Science” is free with paid admission ($4 general, free for members and children ages 3 and under). Some of Explorit’s most popular hands-on activities –including experimenting with dry ice, making “Explor-ick” goo and using an oscilloscope – will be brought out for the afternoon.

Visitors can discover what happens when dry ice (which is solid carbon dioxide) is added to soapy water and hear what happens when a piece is held up against different metal kitchen utensils, among other experiments.

“Dry ice makes for a very dramatic show,” says Megan Chiosso, Explorit program director. “Between the smoking, bubbling and the screeching sounds it can make when held next to metal, kids just love it.”

Kids young and old will also be able to make a batch of Explorit’s famous “Explor-ick.” The malleable mixture is fun to squeeze, squish, prod and poke as visitors try to decide if it is a liquid or solid. After their scientific contemplation, visitors will be able to take their “Explor-ick” home.

Sound waves will also be up for exploration as Explorit’s popular oscilloscope comes out for visitors to use. Young scientists will be able to examine the invisible waves that carry sound through the air. The oscilloscope has a microphone that detects sounds, transforming them into visual waves displayed on a small monitor. Tuning forks and other noisemakers will be on hand to experiment with different sound frequencies.

“A Matter of Science” is one of a number of Saturday Family Explorations that will be offered this summer at Explorit’s Second Street site. On Thursday evenings, Explorit is offering special evening programs at the Mace Park Branch, 3141 Fifth St., Davis. Please see www.explorit.org for a complete calendar or call (530) 756-0191 for more information.
______

Explorit Science Center is open at its new site, 2801 Second St., Davis. The current hands-on exhibition is “At Home With Science.” Public hours are Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. For more information: www.explorit.org or (530) 756-0191.