Celebrating super science on Saturdays

Kids added paint to their baking soda volcanoes on Saturday.

Sure, gamma rays might not actually turn you into The Hulk and cosmic rays might not transform you into The Human Torch, but there's still plenty that's super about science.

We've dedicated our summer reading program to heroes, and that includes super science.

On Saturday at our Headlands Branch, we learned about chemical reactions by creating classic baking soda volcanoes. We even added some paint to make it more colorful.

The kids learned that combining baking soda (NaHCO3) and vinegar (HCH3COO) creates, among other things, the gas carbon dioxide. Hence, the volcano fizzes and erupts.

They also make a mess!

An awesome, turquoise mess...

We have more Super Science Saturdays coming this summer at our Headlands Branch.

At 2 p.m. on July 11, we're making a hoop glider and detonating a rocket. Then, on Aug. 1, we'll be making slime and "elephant toothpaste." Kids (entering kindergarten through fifth grade) are free to join in the fun.

And while you’re at the library, you can sign up for summer reading. For every hour a child reads or is read to, they receive a raffle ticket that can help them win one of dozens of cool prizes—from telescopes and microscopes to Lego sets and Superhero Barbie. The more someone reads, the better chance they have of winning.

If a child reads 20 hours by Aug. 1, they will be entered into a special raffle to win one of two $50 gift certificates from Toys ‘R Us.

Mentor Library also has a summer reading program (and prizes) for teens and adults, as well. For more information about summer reading, call 440-255-8811 or visit Mentor Library’s website.

One of our young scientists demonstrates how the carbon dioxide from the chemical reaction fills the balloon.