Street fair reveals how we experience science 'every day'

Cylan Rowlette, of Sweet Springs, leaned over the table, his tongue poking out slightly as he tried to drip out 20 drops of water from an eye dropper onto the head of a penny — an experiment in surface tension.

The experiment was one of many hands-on activities offered during the first Science Street Fair Saturday on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. The day-long event featured exhibits and activities hosted by educational institutions, science education advocacy groups and others as part of an emphasis on science and technology at this year’s fair.

Cylan’s father, Corey, of Sedalia, said the street fair “was a good event to have here.”

“There is some really interesting stuff here, and it is good for kids to come through and see something like this,” Corey said.

Cylan said he wasn’t sure if he got all 20 drops on the penny, but was more interested in another experiment involving acids and bases where different fluids were added to water, changing the color from clear to reds for acids and yellows for bases.

“It made the water change colors. That was cool,” Cylan said.

Cynthia Kramer, of St. Louis, helped coordinate the booths at the street fair and is the founder and executive director of Science and Citizens Organized for Purpose and Exploration, or SCOPE, an advocacy group she started in June 2007 to promote science education and innovation.

Kramer said she was inspired to start the group after surviving a rare form of lymphoma. “Going through that process I came to understand the importance of science and technology. And, I realized as a mom that I didn’t understand the new era and the developments we have seen over the last few years,” Kramer said.

She said too many people see science as something reserved for academics, “but the truth is it belongs to everyone, and we use it every day.”

“We want people to see that science is fun and hope to inspire a lifelong passion for innovation,” Kramer said.

Gary Clapp, a SCOPE member with a doctorate degree in chemistry, entertained a score of children with a series of dry ice demonstrations.

He said he had worked in construction and other fields before returning to school for chemistry and stressed the need for adults as well as children to take an interest in science and technology.

“How many times do you think people will be retrained for new jobs in the coming years? This is where the new jobs will be created, and that is why this is important at every level, not just with the kids,” Clapp said.

For more information on SCOPE, visit scopemissouri.org.