Science rules!

CATALDO — “Science is fun, as long as nobody gets hurt.”

Students at Canyon Elementary Science Magnet School (CES) had an opportunity to watch the Pacific Northwest’s own Radical Rick provide a high-quality, educational and entertaining assembly Wednesday afternoon.

“My favorite part of the experiments was the explosions!” an elementary student exclaimed.

The explosions did not disappoint.

“Today we are going to talk about mixtures and solutions! Who knows the difference between a mixture and a solution?” Rick asked the eager group of students. “In a mixture, we are not changing anything. A solution is where we combine two or more things, it changes, and it’s much more difficult to separate.”

To demonstrate a solution, Rick took a bottle of club soda and began shaking it up.

“Now what happens when you shake up the bottle?”

“It will explode!!” students cheered.

And explode it did, as Rick shook the bottle up and sprayed the crowd.

“It’s just water! It won’t hurt you.”

Screams and laughter erupted from the students.

This is what Rick is good at. Not only teaching the students, but also entertaining and showing the enjoyment one can get from science.

“This assembly was so much fun for the students! Science is meant to be fun, exciting, explorative learning. As a Science Magnet School we strive to incorporate and teach science as much as we can. Bringing new Science learning opportunities to our students is so important.” Principal and Teacher Jennifer Ferreira said.

Radical Rick puts an emphasis not only on fun but also on safety.

“Do I want you ever playing with fire at home? Do I want you to play with fire at a friend’s house?”

“No!” exclaimed the students.

Before demonstrating the reaction of flash paper, he asked the crowd again, “Do I want you ever playing with fire at home?” and a resounding no went through the group as the paper was lit, thrown up into the air, and disappeared.

Other experiments included an exploding pringles can, an exploding bag of chips, loud blown-up balloons, etc.

CESMS students are currently focusing on physical science in the classroom school-wide, so this was a perfect opportunity to add another aspect.

“Each classroom has been learning about physical science according to their grade level standards. Radical Rick’s presentations served as an exciting culmination of learning for our students.” Ferreira said.

This has been the first year Rick has brought his extreme science to CESMS, and teachers and students are excited for more.

“We are working on additional opportunities to bring him back to Canyon. The kids loved him!”

This year the Canyon School Organization supported this event for the students. Funds were raised through the Annual Ham and Turkey Dinner and Auction and are what makes events like this possible for Canyon.

You can find more about Radical Rick by going to www.extremesciencefun.com or by turning on KHQ Channel 6 news Saturday mornings.