Fermilab brings 'Wonders of Science' to the stage

If you know kids between the ages of 7 and 12, you know how hard it can be to get them excited about science from a textbook.

Children need science to come to life before their eyes. They need to be wowed and to experience physical phenomena with eyes wide and jaws dropped.

That's the thinking behind the annual "Wonders of Science" show, which again will take the stage in Ramsey Auditorium at the U.S. Department of Energy's Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 6.

The show, organized and performed by award-winning high school teachers, is celebrating its 27th year at the lab. Tickets are $4.50.

"This is one of our most exciting events every year," said Spencer Pasero, an education program leader at Fermilab. "Everyone has their favorite demonstration, but there's always something new and exciting to look forward to."

This year's theme is temperature and energy, and will feature Weird Science, a group of current and retired high school teachers who have been recognized locally and nationally for their ability to engage young minds. Members of the troupe have appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman," "CBS News" and "Inside Edition."

Weird Science includes Lee Marek of the University of Illinois at Chicago (formerly of Naperville North High School), Karl Craddock of Fremd High School in Palatine, and Bill Grosser of Oak Park and River Forest High School.

Together, they will demonstrate eye-popping chemical and physical science experiments designed to be both fun and educational.

"We hope kids leave with the sense that science can be fun, and not only can they enjoy it as an experience, but they also can do it," Pasero said.

The "Wonders of Science" show is intended for ages 7 to 12, and Scout troops are welcome. Each family will receive a science kit, which they can use to conduct their own experiments at home. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets may be ordered online at ed.fnal.gov/events/wos. For details, call (630) 840-5588 or email edreg@fnal.gov.