 We come to you for exciting, educational, and FUN shows for groups of any size - from 20 to 500!
School assemblies, company outings, scout programs, libraries, malls, fairs, camps - anywhere that kids gather we have a show that will thrill and "edu-tain" them!
We can also provide Activity Booths where kids can work more closely with the Mad Scientist to see some experiments up close or make something to take something home! Slime Making, Stunt Planes, and UV Beads are just a few examples!
For more information, see below or contact us!
Special Event
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this like a magic show?
NO! We want to show the kids the DIFFERENCE between magic and science. Sure, magic is fun - and, in fact, we start the show with a magic trick - but with science there are no secrets! We as Mad Scientists get to tell everyone how everything works! We'll do lots fun, visually interesting experiments, with plenty of opportunities for helpers! Our inquiry-based presentation ensures that the show isn't a lecture. We want the kids to tell US what's going to happen. We pose problems and "what-ifs" and let THEM work out hypotheses that WE test out!
"One of the best programs we've brought to our school in the last 15 years. Students (and staff!) were totally engaged." - Dave Sinclair, Principal, Cold Spring School, Plymouth, MA
What kind of experiments do you do?
Here are a few examples of experiments the show might include. We may:
- Fit an egg into an impossibly small space!
- Blow up a 10-foot bag in one breath!
- Float a beach ball 15 feet over everyone's head!
- Create a fog storm just like in the movies!
- Create our own hot-air balloon!
- Blow out a candle from across the room!
- Get air to make more noise than you'd ever expect!
- Give brave volunteers a ride on a hovercraft!
...and more!
"What a dazzling, high energy program! [The Mad Scientist] kept every child focused, as well as the adults. I received many compliments for weeks afterward which made me very self-conscious because I did nothing. I just chose a great program!" - Eastham Public Library, Eastham, MA
What do the kids get to do?
Kids love the opportunity to show off what they know or what they think will happen next. Unlike a magic show, we encourage kids to tell us what they think is going to happen! The constant audience interaction is an integral part of the Mad Science experience. We want kids to use their imagination and build on what they already know to predict what will happen next! Plus, the Mad Scientist almost always needs volunteers...
"[Our Mad Scientist] was terrific! As part of our advanced publicity, I mentioned his name and several children remembered his performance at their school. His name - alone - was incentive to attend our event!!" - Mattapoisett Free Public Library, Mattapoisett, MA
What age levels are the shows appropriate for?
Kindergarteners through 6th-graders tend to get the most out of our shows, but younger or older kids will certainly have a blast. Younger kids will love what they see and older kids will love learning WHY things happen. The Mad Scientist will always tailor the show to the age group - giving older kids a bit more explanation than with a younger group.
"We've had clowns, magicians, costumed characters, and even the "real" Santa Claus perform for us. Your show was truly the best by far. I'd love to have you back for an outdoor summer party. Thank you so much for the smiles, the wide eyes, and the laughter that you added to my party...that, in itself, was priceless. Merry Christmas." - Deb R. (Christmas Family Gathering), Centerville, MA
Is there really educational value?
Absolutely! While the kids may not themselves be aware that they are learning, parents and teachers certainly are. Our Special Events are based on the same teaching methods and materials used in our classroom programs, but with even more entertainment thrown in. Aside from the specific material covered, the kids will become very familiar with the concepts of observation, hypotheses, and experimentation.
"This was a great program - it was educational without being overwhelming or hard to understand. The kids absolutely loved it." - Robert Beverly Hale Library, Wakefield, RI
Are these experiments safe?
You better believe it! As much as we want kids to have fun, it's even more important to us that they be safe. Most of what we use are household items used in new and creative ways. Some experiments, due to the equipment involved, are for the Mad Scientist only - which, of course, is made perfectly clear!
"Our Mad Scientist was fabulous! The children were amazed and thoroughly enjoyed the show! I have never seen them so attentive and enthused while learning!" - Muscular Dystrophy Association, Plymouth, MA
How long does the show last?
A Mad Science Special Event runs for about 45-60 minutes.
"This is the type of program I look for: educational and fun. You're doing a great job, keep up the good work." - Truro Public Library, North Truro, MA
Could we do even more stuff if we wanted to?
Well...OK. After the show, we can set up activity booths where children can meet the Mad Scientist and see some cool experiments up close or maybe even make something to take home! Dry Ice, Slime Making, Airplane Making, Putty Making, and more! Call us for available booth activities!
"[The Mad Scientist] was great! The kids were captivated and a few times we had to practically glue them to the floor because they were getting so into it." - YouthRAP, Providence, RI
Yeah yeah, so how much already?
Please call or e-mail us for pricing information. Pricing is based on a few variables, including the number of shows booked and distance from our office. Remember, that Mad Science is confident in the quality of its programming and we are 100% guaranteed.
"Simply excellent! [The Mad Scientist] kept everyone's attention, got children to understand and repeat back concepts, and was incredibly entertaining to boot! We look forward to our upcoming rocketry workshop with Mad Science! Thanks!" - Taft Public Library, Mendon, MA
How much space do I need?
Enough for your guests to be comfortable as well as a fair-size "safety zone" in which the Mad Scientist can perform. While the experiments are perfectly safe, we want to be sure no one is tripping over our equipment and that the Mad Scientist isn't tripping over your guests!
"This is my third time exposed to the Mad Science program. We had a show with the Scouts previously and my son had a birthday party. All the shows have been a success!! We have been more than pleased. I think these have been some of the best programs offered to children! Thank you so much!!" - Cub Scout Pack 7, North Kingstown, RI
Do you need an auditorium or other formal setting?
No way! We can work in many different audience settings! Seating in chairs or on floors is perfectly acceptable - however your guests are most comfortable. If you expect a large group, a center aisle works very well for making sure no one in the back is slighted - our Mad Scientists can cover a lot of ground!
"I was surprised by how engaging it was. Very professional. [We] look forward to April's show." - Dartmouth YMCA, Dartmouth, MA
What does the Mad Scientist bring and what do we need to provide?
We bring all of the necessary materials. All we ask from you is:
- A table. A standard 6-foot or larger table works great.
- Access to electricity.
- Access to running water. (This does not have to be in the same room.)
- Lots of kids ready to have fun!
"We love Mad Science!" - Social St. School, Woonsocket, RI
How much preparation time does the Mad Scientist need?
The Mad Scientist will arrive at your show location about 20-30 minutes before showtime to set up.
"Fabulous, educational, fun, exciting, well done, visually fantastic, funny for both kids and adults. Kudos to our instructor and Mad Science!" - Girl Scout Council of Southeastern MA
Is this going to make a big ol' mess or what?
Nope! The Mad Scientist cleans up after themselves when they are done! You won't even know they've been there! (Except the kids will be much happier than they were before the show.) The Mad Scientist will have a table cover for the show table and will pack up all of their materials and carry any trash or debris out with them.
"I wish science had been taught this way when I was a child. I learned a lot and so did all the participants." - Peace Dale Library, Peace Dale, RI
There’s a particular Mad Scientist that we really like! Could we request him or her?
Our Mad Scientists recognize the great compliment it is to be specifically requested for a program. Unfortunately, due to the number of programs we run and the intricacies of program scheduling, travel, equipment distribution, and time off for our instructors, we cannot guarantee a specific Mad Scientist for a specific program. While we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests, we can only assure you that you will be satisfied with the excellent Mad Scientist that does your program, whomever it may be.
"It was phenomenal." - Bourne Recreation Department, Bourne, MA
Our kids are all boys/all girls. Can we request our Mad Scientist be a male/female?
Similar to a request for a specific Mad Scientist, we cannot guarantee the gender of your Mad Scientist for all of the same reasons. We can assure you that you and the kids will be satisfied with any one of our excellent Mad Scientists.
"You couldn't possibly have made this more worry-free for me! We had a lot going on that day, with some lousy weather thrown in, and I appreciated everything about how accomodating and efficient you were, from our first phone conversation to the day of the event. You were super flexible as we struggled with our weather issues. You're the best!" - Community School PTO, N. Attleboro, MA
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