Dr. Lou Kramer (second from left), superintendent of London City Schools, pours liquid nitrogen into a bottle held by London Mayor Patrick Closser (far right). COSI representatives Stephen White (left) and Josh Sarver (second from right) oversaw the demonstration, which took place at London’s Rib & Jazz Fest last summer. The event was held in conjunction with COSI’s presentation of a STEM Star Award to Kramer. This spring, with help from COSI, the city of London will host a Science Extravaganza.
(Posted Feb. 12, 2020)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
How does road salt melt ice? What does it take to create computer code for video games? What goes into the process of brewing beer?
Find out the answer to these questions and so many more when the city of London hosts a Science Extravaganza from 5 to 9 p.m. May 8 at city hall, 20 S. Walnut St.
Last year, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) chose London and five other cities to host events leading up to COSI’s Big Science Celebration set for May 9 in Columbus. The purpose of the multi-county effort is to get central Ohio folks, especially youths, excited about careers in STEM–science, technology, engineering and math.
Amy Rees, who works in the city’s administration department, is coordinating London’s event. She is recruiting a couple dozen businesses, agencies and school groups to set up booths in the hallways and meeting rooms at city hall. Demonstrations and hands-on experiments will be the name of the game.
“We’re excited to show the community, especially kids, how science is used every day,” Rees said. “When I started thinking about who to call to be a part of the event, I realized that just about everybody in every profession uses some kind of science, like a veterinarian who microchips pets, for example.”
Rees is happy with the response she has received so far from willing participants. The city fire department is working up a demonstration about fire suppression and thermal imaging. The police department plans to run visitors through the fingerprinting process. The competitive e-sports and robotics teams from London High School and London Middle School are signed up, along with other groups from the schools. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, based in London, is on the list of exhibitors.
Additionally, various businesses have signed on to conduct experiments related to fitness, nutrition, agriculture, electricity and more. Of course, COSI will play a big part in the day, offering up their own experiments and demonstrations.
“This will be a great opportunity to bring STEM into our community for kids who can’t make it to COSI or can’t get there as often as they would like,” said London Mayor Pat Closser.
London’s Science Extravaganza is a family-friendly event. Admission is free. Rees is lining up food concessions. A beer garden, complete with a brewing education component, will be available to adults.
The other cities COSI tapped to host science celebrations are Marysville, Delaware, Circleville, Heath and Pickerington.
