Live Science Demonstrations
Offered At Pacific Science Center

Ice Under Fire
What mysterious powers does ice possess that may impact the fate of the ocean and the world? Use the analytical tools of polar science to examine global warming. Audience members will observe various kinds of ice, make predictions about on-stage experiments, and learn how scientists use ice as a "time machine" to travel back in time and observe Earth's atmosphere 650,000 years ago. Just as important as its blazing effects and experiments, the demo ends with an empowering presentation of some solutions that can be done by grown-ups and kids alike. Created with assistance from University of Washington's Polar Science Center and Washington Biodiesel.

Length: 25 minutes Audience: Grade 1 and up

Ice Under Fire Full Script (PDF)
Ice Under Fire Audience Hand Out (PDF)
Ice Under Fire Outline (PDF)

Live Boa Constrictor
Come face-to-face with a 6- to 8-foot-long live boa constrictor. Our demonstrator will handle the boa while sharing information about how snakes eat, move and live. (Regrettably, audiences are not allowed to touch the snake.)

Length: 30 minutes Audience: All ages

Snake Tales
While holding our snakes, our demonstrator will tell you the rhyming tale of how our friend Jake is forced to leave his chopped-down tropical rain forest home and then live with humans. It's entertainment with all kinds of "snaky" facts. (Regrettably, audiences are not allowed to touch the snakes.)

Length: 25 minutes Audience: All ages

Combustion
See huge balls of fire and hear big explosions while learning about the chemistry of fire! Help build the "Fire Triangle" of heat, fuel and oxygen, and learn how to put out fires by learning how to make them. (This demonstration is loud.)

Length: 20 minutes Audience: All ages

Supercold
Come see a substance so cold it can freeze antifreeze and turn air to liquid! See the wonders of liquid nitrogen while learning the different states of matter! Liquid nitrogen is donated by Byrne Specialty Gas.

Length: 20-30 minutes Audience: Grade 1 and up

Illusions
Can you believe your eyes? You won't be so sure after seeing this demonstration! Learn all about the human eye and how it works while seeing lots of cool optical illusions! (A strobe light is used in the presentation.)

Length: 20 minutes Audience: Grade 1 and up

Amazing Psychic Powers
Our demonstrators can read minds, bend matter and see into the future. Or can they? Determine for yourself by using your scientific mind and powers of deduction.

Length: 20 minutes Audience: Grade 2 and up

Amazing Air
It's all around us, making objects contract, expand, and sometimes even rise above the ground. Experience the hidden power of air pressure and learn a few of its principles.

Length: 20 - 30 minutes Audience: Grade 1 and up

Danger Science
It's loud! It's exciting! It flies over your head! We'll demonstrate different sorts of explosions to see what makes a rocket rock. This demo is offered outside during the summer season.

Length: 15-25 minutes Audience: Grade 1 and up