Igniting an interest in science

“What planet in our solar system is red?” asked Sergeant Science, the teacher of Peninsula Public Library’s “Chem in a Flash” program, on July 16, just one of the many activities offered as part of this summer’s library reading program, “Fizz, Boom, Read!”
“Mars!” shouted the eager students.
Sergeant Science, from Mad Science of Long Island, used the cosmic example to explain the process of oxidation, or how things rust, and demonstrated the chemical reaction by dropping a ball of steel wool into a beaker filled with acetic acid. The wool rusted right before the student’s eyes.
This summer’s program is science-themed. “Chem in a Flash,” complete with fizzing chemicals and flying balloons, promoted curiosity and an eagerness to learn, which is exactly what the program encourages.
Carolynn Matulewicz, who has been organizing the Lawrence library’s reading program for eight years, said it strives “to have kids read over the summer and to develop a life-long love of reading.” The program has run for more than 25 years, she said.

“I liked seeing the little scrub rust!” said 9-year-old Isabella Andrade, who helped hand out goggles in preparation for the science experiment the children were able to do themselves.
After receiving the goggles and rubber gloves, the children were transformed into young scientists. The kids were given a cup, a penny, and a choice of two substances ––vinegar or soap. They watched as rusty pennies changed from dark, to bright and good as new.
Patrick Erivo, 6, said his favorite part of the class was when Science inflated balloons using baking soda and vinegar. “[The balloons] just flew off the tops of the beakers!” he said.
All the would-be scientists were given instructions for take-home experiments and their own blue beakers from Science.
Offered to children ages 4 to 13, reading program participants fill out a “book sheet” which lists the books the children have read throughout the summer. About 300 students register every year.
The library partners with Lawrence’s public and private schools to organize each event, and to get all children of the Lawrence community involved. Matulewicz said the program attracts a wide range of students.
This year’s program kicked off on June 15, and ends on Aug. 14 with a summer reading party, where prizes will be awarded.