Creating a New Mindset – Steve Spangler’s STEM Conference
STEM isn’t just about the obvious – science, technology, engineering and math… it’s about creating opportunity for children to think […]
A play day at the children’s museum
By Mary Bogest
About Town
Let the games begin! And they did in grand splendor.
It was the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Play Soiree. To put it more succinct, it was an extravagant win at the STEM and Play Soiree at the Nido and Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum.
Play was not just for the children, but to the adults as well. The definition was science, and for all ages — kids and adults! “Fun for all ages — kids and adults!” Steve Spangler, the science superstar, television personality, frequent guest on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and best-selling author, was the shining star of the spectacular evening.
Steve Spangler kicked off the evening in grand style taking center stage in the main atrium with some eye-catching, large-scale experiments like the ones you would see him do on the Ellen Show. The balloon experiment was one of Ward’s favorites. She said, “It’s amazing how Steve Spangler can get 4.5 billion views on his science videos featured on social media.” Steve is the guy who is responsible for teaching millions of science enthusiasts how to drop Mentos into a bottle of soda to create a geyser that shoots up over 18 feet in the air. That one video was responsible for launching the “influencer” aspect of his career as a science communicator. Steve has over 200 educational science kits and toys on the market today under the “Steve Spangler Science” brand, one of which is a collaboration with the manufacturer of those little mint candies called Mentos.
Spangler also did a science experiment he calls “Flying Toilet Paper.” The experiment illustrates a science concept called Bernoulli’s Principle, where an entire roll of toilet paper flies up into the air in just seconds using the power of air from a leaf blower.
Spangler’s big finale produced a giant cloud that filled the museum lobby. But as Spangler says, “Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.” That’s when he filled a 55-gallon trash can with 2,500 ping pong balls and sent them flying into the air with help from a little liquid nitrogen.
Wow. What an amazing night of wonder and discovery. Indeed, The Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum is just another reason we are High Point Proud!
