Museum program uses food to teach science

For the State News

Many children spend their Saturday mornings with their eyes glued to the television, awaiting hours of their favorite cartoons. However, some children of the downtown Lansing area spent Saturday crafting treats that teach.

The Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Drive in Lansing, hosted "Edible Super Saturday," during which excited children of all ages roamed around the museum learning about science through interaction with food.

"It's amazing to see the kids hanging out, having fun while learning, and showing you that they truly enjoy it," freshman volunteer Steve DeCamp said.

The three main activities on this particular Saturday coincided with the theme of enjoying tasty treats while learning how they are made.

Kids could make "Candy Chromatography" on coffee filters with Skittles, showing different colors and patterns by using water. At the "Edible Rainbows" table, children could see the density of liquids in layers, because all the ingredients were dyed different colors. The "Make Your Own Soda" station showed everyone that baking soda, sugar and orange juice produce a very fizzy, yet delicious beverage.

"The kids think they are rushing over to make a quick drink, but they end up learning about chemical reactions while stirring their own soda," journalism sophomore volunteer Heather Guenther said. "This place is so great because of how hands-on everything is. It really gives us an opportunity to interact with the kids."

Most of the volunteers that are part of the "Super Saturday" events held every weekend at Impression 5 Science Center are involved in the Circle K International program, which is a community service organization that prides itself on helping people of all ages.

Susan Ewart, a three-year member of Impression 5 Science Center, was one of the parents involved in a birthday celebration for a 6-year-old boy.

"It's wonderful because the kids' minds are so engaged in each activity," Ewart said. "It is definitely great exercise for them, especially on bad weather days."