A day of wacky experiments and mind-blowing science shows is in store Saturday afternoon, Nov. 5 at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
The “Weird Wonders” afternoon event, which also has a preview on Friday afternoon and evening for aquarium members, is presented in partnership with Mad Science of Fairfield County. The aquarium says the event’s aim is “to bring science to life through a variety of hands-on, fun STEM experiences.”
— an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium
The afternoon will feature two 45-minute shows designed to thrill audiences of all ages. “Freaky Lab “at 12 noon will present a mad mix of chemistry and physics experiments filled with electrifying lights and colored fires; “Fire and Ice” at 2 p.m. will include spectacular dry ice and other sizzling experiments.
Guests will also be able to participate in interactive science activities at booths throughout the Aquarium, featuring our best in class education team. You can catch your shadow or write secret messages on a glow wall; experience levitating objects and other optical illusions; discover how deep sea animals can see without light — and more!
EXPERIMENT TABLES
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Glow Wall – Catch your shadow or write secret messages while interacting with our Glow Wall. Each child will receive a UV light to take home.
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Frankenstein’s Lab – The station will make your hair rise! Interact with plasma balls and the infamous Van De graph machine.
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Freaky Illusions – Experience a bed of nails, levitating objects, rainbow shadow wall, orbeez, Halloween Optical illusions, and the Hypnotizing Wheel. Each child will receive rainbow glasses to take home.
- Light vs. Depth – Looking at how colors disappear as you go deeper into the ocean and how deep sea animals see without any light.
- Depth vs. Pressure – Learn how pressure increases with depth and how deep diving animals are adapted for dealing with this pressure.
- Plankton Challenge – Design a plankton specimen out of clay and other craft materials so that it floats on the surface of the water. Learn how surface area helps these animals stay at the surface of the water.
- Elephant Toothpaste – Create a scientific reaction that traps oxygen bubbles in soap to create foam.
To keep the fun going, children get to take-home activities (while supplies last)!
If You’re Going …
All activities on Saturday are included with the purchase of general admission tickets.
Aquarium hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and advanced purchase of tickets is strongly encouraged. Visit this Web page on the aquarium website for details and to purchase your tickets.
Members Can Go to This Preview on Friday …
Members are invited to a preview event on Friday, Nov. 4, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., which includes the same experiment tables listed above, along with refreshments and free admission to either the Halloween-themed movie “Happy Family 4D” or “BBC Earth’s OCTOPUS: Blue Planet II 4D Experience.”
Members must pre-register and reserve tickets in advance, $10 per person.