Science Fair Assembly Madness

Yesterday was the science fair assembly for my children's elementary school.  You might recall that I am in charge of the science fair this year, and that I invited my younger brother, Samuel, (who is a professor of physics at Dixie State College) to come do the kickoff assembly.

It was a very good choice.  He had them on the edge of their seats (or, well, he would have if they hadn't been sitting on the floor).  The younger group (K-3), especially, were completely enthralled.  Every single thing Samuel did--and every single thing was amazing--they gasped over, applauded, and cheered.

The liquid nitrogen was a big hit.  (No surprise there.)  Here is a short video clip of Samuel freezing and then destroying a rose.

It was definitely worth every minute of hassle to get that dang liquid nitrogen.  I think my favorite nitrogen stunt was the balloon.  Samuel had a small inflated balloon, which he held up and asked the kids what they thought would happen if he put it in the nitrogen.  Most kids thought it would pop.  

Instead, when he brought the balloon out of the container, it was shriveled and limp.  Within seconds, however, it re-inflated.  The super-cold liquid caused the gas inside the balloon to contract and shrink.  When the balloon was removed to the room temperature air, the gas inside the balloon expanded again.

It was awesome, to watch the kids' faces as they saw that balloon "magically" re-inflate.

Of course, Samuel didn't only play with liquid nitrogen.  He brought magnets and gyroscopes, lasers and electrical charges.  He had the younger kids completely focused on him the entire time.  (The older kids (4-6) were a little harder audience on a Friday afternoon.  He kept their attention, even if their responses weren't as fun or as loud as the little kids' were.)

At least eight different adults came up to me after and told me what an awesome assembly it was, and how amazing my brother is.  (I have to agree.)  Even better, my friends in the ward have told me that their kids couldn't stop talking about the exciting and "magical" science assembly.  More than one mom told me her kids are so excited about doing their own science project.  

I'm glad I had the bright idea to invite Samuel.  Thanks a million-zillion, Samuel.  You rock!