September 28, 2005

Contact:

Amy Vineyard
Adventure Science Center
avineyard@adventuresci.com
615-401-5059

Christi Williams
Seigenthaler Public Relations
christi@seig-pr.com
615-327-7999

Nashville, TN - The satisfying squish of Silly Putty® and the entertaining bounce of a favorite rubber ball make these toys fun, and the science that makes such characteristics possible can be just as exciting. That's why families are invited to experience and enjoy favorite toys at Adventure Science Center's Chemistry Day on October 8th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Held annually at ASC as part of the American Chemical Society's Chemistry Week, this year's festival of scientific fun will focus on the Joy of Toys.

Professional and student scientists from Fisk, Lipscomb, Tennessee Tech and Austin Peay State universities; and Hillwood High School have volunteered to lead hands-on activities for Chemistry Day, including:

• Make your own Silly Putty® - Center visitors can combine simple ingredients to create one of America's favorite toys.
• Slinky® Physics - Ever wonder what Slinkys® are made of, and just how they descend stairs? Find out during this activity.
• The Magnificent Bubble Solution - Children use different chemical solutions to find out not only how bubbles are made, but which formula creates the biggest and best bubbles.
• Bouncy Goo Ball - Watch as a sticky blob turns into a crazy, bouncing toy during this Bouncy Goo Ball experiment.
• Cartesian Diver - Kids can rediscover an age-old favorite by squeezing bottles of water containing little divers, and watching what the divers do when water pressure increases and decreases with each squeeze.

"Many of the toys we all know and love wouldn't exist without chemistry," said Sharon Mendonsa, an educator at Adventure Science Center. "And while chemistry and toys don't appear to go together at first glance, they are a winning combination. Children learn about science more effectively when they're having fun in the process."

Chemistry Day is free to educators that show their identification at the front desk. Educators can pick up materials at the event explaining how to make chemistry more interactive and exciting in the classroom.

Adventure Science Center is partnering with the American Chemical Society, the Nashville Section of the American Chemical Society and local ACS student affiliate organizations to host Chemistry Day. Phillip's Toy Mart will also host a booth featuring favorite toys.

About Adventure Science Center

For 60 years, Adventure Science Center has brought science to life for children in Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, Northern Alabama and beyond. The center offers hands-on, interactive exhibits and engaging programs that encourage children of all ages to explore how science, invention and innovation affect their lives. Adventure Science Center encourages imagination and curiosity, and engages the senses in the fascinating world of science.

Adventure Science Center's regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $9.00 for adults, and $7.00 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors age 65 or older. The Science Center is located at 800 Fort Negley Blvd. For more information, call (615) 862-5160 or visit our web site at www.adventuresci.com