Putting the "pop" in PopUp SCIENCE

Over 300 children and adults explored the science of bubbles at Homewood Science Center’s PopUp SCIENCE Bubble Bash August 24.

At Bubble Bash, kids designed, built, and tested bubble wands; made fortified bubble solution to take home; competed in bubble science trivia; and created giant bubbles, large enough to stand in. Families of 3-6-year olds enjoyed reading the storybook Bubble Trouble and engaging in bubble-themed pre-kindergarten math activities in Homewood Science Center’s Early Learning Lab, to develop preschoolers' number sense, counting and measurement skills, and ability to recognize sets and patterns.

“I love bubbles,” said Leela Grant, 7, of Munster, Indiana. “They’re squishy and messy, and I like messy things.”

“She likes science and she likes to do things, so this is an awesome way to spend a couple of free hours on a Saturday,” said Leela’s dad, Jared Grant.

Invaluable opportunity

Jessica Kask, applications chemist at Dober, was on hand to present interactive talks on the science of bubbles. Kids eagerly volunteered to join Kask onstage in the Michael Wexler Theater to demonstrate what bubbles are made of, why bubbles are round, and why bubbles pop. Kask also talked with children about bubble chemistry as she and Jean Wayner, Dober senior financial analyst, helped young visitors mix their own bubble solution.

“Being able to talk to a scientist is invaluable. How many opportunities do kids get to do that? It’s wonderful the community offers this,” said Maria Baynes of Chicago, who attended with her daughter.

Being able to talk to a scientist is invaluable. How many opportunities do kids get to do that? It's wonderful the community offers this. - Maria Baynes, parent

This is the third year Kask has volunteered at PopUp SCIENCE. She worked with families at a previous Bubble Bash and joined several of her Dober colleagues at Homewood Science Center’s “Ready, Set, Experiment!” PopUp SCIENCE event.

“I really enjoy being here. I like that it’s local, family-oriented, and gets kids involved in science,” said Kask. “Dober is all about family—being involved with families in the community.”

Excited about learning

Homewood Science Center offers the PopUp SCIENCE program free to the community to give area kids a chance to explore scientific topics alongside their parents and meet real-life science professionals. Students who are excited about learning and whose families are involved in their education have the best chance for success in school and life.

PopUp SCIENCE is a lifelong learning opportunity for adults, too. Eunice Waita of Homewood said she learned a lot from Kask’s presentation at Bubble Bash. “I thought I was bringing my child to have fun, but I got some knowledge myself!” Waita said.

“That’s great,” said Kask. “I’m a firm believer that you never stop learning.”

Want to support free PopUp SCIENCE programming in our region? Walk Walton, a PopUp SCIENCE fundraiser, is coming soon! Sponsorship opportunities are available; tickets for the October 20 event at Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve will be online starting September 9.