‘Mad Science’ a departure from boring science lessons
LESLIE RENKEN/JOURNAL STAR
Susan "Scientific Sue" Naschert of Peoria, delights students from LincolnGrade School in Washington by unrolling a roll of toilet paper with a leaf blower. Naschert uses the activity to illustrates the scientific principle, "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." Naschert brings the Mad Science to children throughout central Illinois.
By Sally McKee
GateHouse News Service
Posted Jan 08, 2009 @ 02:01 PM
PEORIA, Ill. —
When Susan Naschert plunged the ballpoint pen into the plastic bag filled with water, it squirted out all over her and her desk.
That's not what was supposed to happen, but that's what makes hands-on activities fun and great learning tools.
Naschert is the president of Mad Science, and while she seemed a bit flustered at the failed experiment, she was more than willing to try it again. The next attempt worked perfectly with the ink pen going right through the bag filled with water and not a drop spilling out.
Mad Science manager Carrie Healy quickly explained what went wrong. When Naschert folded over the top of the plastic bag to get a better grip, it became unsealed. She then explained the scientific principle behind the experiment.
Lesson learned. Experiment was fun.
That's exactly how Mad Science works.
Naschert, a former chemist, has moved her lab - now a private business - into classrooms throughout central Illinois. Mad Science is a franchise that offers after-school programs, classroom workshops, summer programs and assemblies as a supplement to school curricula.
"We do one hands-on activity after another," Naschert said. "It is exciting. We want to turn children on to science. I'd like to see more opportunities for everyone in the area."
The company mainly serves kindergarten through fourth grades, but offers programs for older and younger students as well. Many Peoria District 150 schools use grant money to help pay for the programs.
Mad Science lessons emphasize the school's science curriculum while letting kids have fun learning, Naschert explained. They typically will offer an assembly for students at a school, then let them sign-up for optional after-school programs.
The organizers are working with District 150 to provide a full week of summer camp for kindergarten through fourth grades.
"We are looking to provide a camp experience for those who may not be able to get one," Naschert said.
They are hoping to offer the camp to 500 students this summer.
In addition to schools and preschools, Healy said the business has been working with Girl Scout troops, park districts and offers birthday parties. A program for Mad Science has served as a reward for children participating in area library reading programs. They also offer programs for home-schooled kids and have a small studio at their business.
Naschert and her husband are both chemists.
"We raised five kids. Some of the science our kids learned in school was not that exciting," Naschert said. "We'd like to change that. Science sparks the imagination. It makes you think of the world as a unique and wonderful place to observe."
Fire & Ice: Students see dry ice fog storms, bubbling potions that trap gas inside and amazing chemical reactions.
Up, Up and Away: The powers of air pressure, hot air balloons and the Mad Science hovercraft.
Be Tobacco Free: The health risks of tobacco; second-hand smoke chamber; and nicotine’s impact on the heart and lungs.
Spin, Pop, Boom: Defying gravity, rainbows in huge test tubes and foam bursts into the sky.
Marvels of Motion: The science of sports, Newton’s laws in motion and rocket pack blast off.
MAD SCIENCE OATH: I promise to observe the world around me. I promise to look at everything with wonder. I promise not to launch anything out the bedroom window.
