Blowing things up in the name of science

Who hasn't wanted to drop a pack of Mentos into Diet Coke to see what kind of carnage it wreaks?

Pretty much anyone who has ever heard about it in their middle school science class or seen Wreck-It Ralph, right?

Well, we took it a step farther during our inaugural Weird Science Wednesday. Teens who came to our program tested to see what soda-Mentos pairing caused the biggest explosion. (You win if you guessed lemon-lime.)

But our Weird Science experiments have just begun. On June 18, we’ll use Sun Paper to show how pre-digital photography worked. (Yes, there is such a thing as pre-digital photography.)

Finally, on June 25, we’ll experiment with the science of weather, which means you can help us make miniature versions of tornadoes, volcanoes and tsunamis.

Teens can sign up for both these programs on our website or by calling (440) 255-8811 ext. 215.

And, while you're here, why not sign up for our summer reading program? Every teen who participates in Spark a Reaction, either by reading or coming to Mentor Library programs, has a chance to win prizes. Those include gift certificates from Retroland Toys, Zoup, Great Lakes Game Emporium, Tryst Salon & Spa and our grand prize, a Nook eReader from Barnes & Noble.

And the more you read, the better chance you have of winning.