Mad Scientists, Part Deux.

Well I was having problems loading all the pictures I wanted to, so I had to split the post into 2. Just so that you can see photos of the finale.










We tried a fun attempt at the Diet Coke and Mentos trick. The kids really enjoyed it, even though we were unable to get them to let off all the bottles at the same time. Someone invarably had trigger finger and set at least one bottle off early.

If you want to see the pros at work check out this video of Eepybird. It's awesome.

Mad Scientists take over the World

Well, Valley Glen Drive anyway.

To celebrate Arran turning 9, we had a party on May 23rd. The theme was a mad scientist party. The kids all had safety goggles and 'lab coats' as all good scientists do.

We had yummy food and bubbling potions. Then the kids started experimenting. First up was slime, with the help of Mad Professor Michael. Slime is a polymer with long chain modules, which is why it is plyable. Jello / Jelly is also a polymer. Remember that when eating jelly!

The kids also had Oobleck to make and play with, but the wonderful non-Newtonian properties of Oobleck enthralled even the adults. If you don't know Oobleck (made with cornstarch and water) acts like a liquid at times, but also as a solid. Move or hit it, its solid, let it settle and it behaves like a liquid. Simple, but wonderful stuff!

There were also expolding volcanos (base and acid reactions with baking soda and vinegar) and an experiment called elephants toothpaste. Elephants Toothpaste mixes hydrogen peroxide with yeast and produces and exothermic reaction as well as lots of warm soap bubbles for the kids to play with.

This kids made compounds with gum drop 'elements' and toothpicks.

Some tomfoolery ensued with various amounts of oobleck, cornstarch, baking soda, foam and whatever else was around being thrown in a war of the scientists. A suitable hosing down of said messy scientist was also in order.

Cake. A mountain of it! Well it is supposed to be a volcano, you can just about see the smoke simmering in the mouth of the volcano.

We have plenty left over! Anyone for cake?

Happy Birthday Arran!

9 years old yesterday.


As you can see, we gave him an electronics set for his birthday. He spent all day, apart from a short time where he had to go to science lesson, experimenting with electronics. By the time Neil returned home, Arran had build a circuit that recorded a voice. He recorded Iona going "Meooww" and tied it to her back. Iona was wandering around the house with the circuit going "Meooww" all the time.

That evening we celebrated his birthday at Chevy's. If you go there on your birthday, they give you an ice cream and a sombrero as well as chant (very loudly, along with clapping) a happy birthday chant. Rebecca the balloon lady just happened to be working there also, so Arran and Iona both had balloon sculptures. Arran chose Picachu and Iona chose a pink kitty in a yellow basket.

Saturday afternoon is party day. We are having a mad scientist party. Experiments are all prepared (including 4 mini volcanos to set off!). Just have to prepare all the lab attire, prepare the food and bake the cake. Sunday WILL be a day of rest!

Getting sent to Coventry!

OK, not quite Coventry!

This is Arran at the USGS Open House. USGS stands for United States Geological Survey - they monitor and survey geology in the US, including earthquakes which occasionally occur around here. Last weekend (May 15th, 16th and 17th) they had an open house which occurs once every three years, we took a field trip there. The scientists were enthusiastic and great at explaining things to the kids.

The picture shows Arran dressed as a Marine Geologist. After entering the room, Arran stated "I'm not dressing up" next thing I see is him all in red. LOL. Iona didn't want to dress up either, but she meant it :-)

There were lots of rock samples for Arran to observe and enough even to keep Iona interested. Highly recommended if you are in the area at the next open house (2012 I think!)