What do you get when you mix potassium iodide and hydrogen peroxide in the middle of eager onlookers?
The answer is a cacophony of “oohs and aahs” as the chemical reaction shoots into the air creating a substance dubbed “elephant toothpaste.”
The activity was spearheaded by employees from Lockheed Martin and was just one of the many thrills awaiting visitors attending the seventh annual Tinkerfest at the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources in Smackover Saturday.
The event is a beacon for curious young minds to delve into all things science.
“To expand knowledge of science engineering math and art,” said Museum Director Pam Beasley when discussing the STEM centered purpose of the Tinkerfest. “All of these things connect with each …”
Beasley said that visitors have the opportunity to visit about 20 stations manned by organizations such as Lockheed Martin, Murphy USA, Union County Public Library System, South Arkansas Community College and others.
Activities within the various areas of science, technology, engineering and math were provided for attendees to participate in.
After attending a previous event at the museum, Debra Faulkner said that she was invited back to attend Tinkerfest.
“We decided to load the boys up and come make a day of it. It’s been a lot of fun,” said Faulkner, who attended the event with her grandson. “We were looking forward to the activities that they had for them.”
“This is fantastic because it teaches kids things,” said Karla Harper of Madison, Wisconsin. Formerly of El Dorado, Harper brought her great grandson, granddaughter and grandson. “This is wonderful, this is educational,” said Harper as she escorted her young entourage from station to station to partake in the activities.
Justin Geurin was no stranger to the event. He said that his kids made trinkets and activities last year and enjoyed it so much that he brought them back this year.
“We actually came last year and brought the kids and they had a blast and enjoyed it.” Geurin came with his wife, daughters, son and mother-in-law.
“It’s a great event. A lot of really cool stuff for them to do and play with. It’s really a unique thing. It’s a great event. Tinkerfest is a great name because it’s a lot things for them to figure out and play with. It’s a lot of fun,” he said.
It was South Arkansas Community College Process Technology Professor Dr. Dave Carty’s second time attending Tinkerfest. Carty brought several activities for visitors to engage in such as coding robots, simulators and 3D printing.
“We try to help kids with the thrill of being alive and all the things you explore in life to stimulate their inquisitiveness,” said Carty. “They can make a great living and have a great life.”
Eleven-year-old Brisa Reyes said that she likes Tinkerfest.
“It has a lot of things that inspire kids about what they can do in life. It teaches a lot.” Reyes said. Reyes said that she is interested in underwater robotics. “The coding I’ve been thinking about.”
Terrance Armstard can be reached at 870-862-6611.