Southeast's 'Science Isn't Always Pretty' Show Entertains, Encourages

The annual l Science Fair and Invention Convention is on the horizon, and to rouse students into participating, the school's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) sponsored a visit from the acclaimed Keith Michael Johnson, a comedic math- and science-themed program entertainer for the past 26 years.

Although a shortened day was called at the school due to snowy weather, the show went on, and featured science that was a bit... unseemly.

Aptly titled "Science Isn't Always Pretty," the 50-minute show had kids, teachers and administrators rolling with laughter over subjects such as "tree cookies," snake skins, fire, slime and scatology. A young volunteer was chosen from the delighted audience to make gooey green Silly Putty - a "non-Newtonian" substance, which would surely have had Sir Isaac Newton scratching his head. Another brave volunteer got the opportunity to dissect a thrown-up, hairball pellet from an owl, revealing tiny sculls and teeth that were left undigested from a recent supper. After Johnson finished up his segment on animal droppings, many children's appetite for Cocoa Puffs, chicken nuggets or baked beans may have been forever altered, considering how remarkably similar they look to rabbit, beaver and porcupine "poop." These revelations elicited lots of laughter mixed with plenty of "ew's" from the audience.

Curiosity and investigation was the name of the game and was what Johsnon hoped to instill in the students. He encouraged everyone to "teach themselves" about science and not wait for an adult, because "they might not have time." Books, he said, were important and an accessible means for kids to learn about science. Experiments, of course, would required some adult help, Johnson noted.

"This show is a kick-off to start kids thinking about the Science Fair and Invention Convention. It's one of five different shows that I travel around doing, and it ties in nicely," said Johnson before the morning performance. "I encourage kids to take up what they're interested in... [The Science Fair] is a great opportunity to explain science and share it with the rest of the school."

All Southeast students are invited to participate in the Science Fair and Invention Convention, which will take place on April 4 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Students may enter the Science Fair or the Invention Convention, or both, and can sign up online from the Southeast web page at http://www.mansfieldct.org/se/sfic (click on the red link.)

Click this link, and select the Science Fair and Invention Convention link under Southeast News and Announcements to print a packet of information you will need to start. Here, you will also find topics, experiment ideas, tips and other important information.