October 17, 1998

"Explosions are fun!" exclaims Kati. This is a typical reaction that the explorers have today. Robert Gotwals, also known as Bob2, shows the explorers how science can be fun. The explorers venture outside to explore new areas of science. Bob2 places a box on the table and shows the explorers its contents. How can vinegar, Alka-seltzer, and a bottle with a top create an explosion? Bob2 answers this question with a small demonstration. He fills a small tube with Alka-seltzer and adds vinegar. Placing a cap on the tube and shaking, Bob2 creates a chemical reaction which dazzle the explorers. Fizz comes shooting out of the tubes and the explorers mouth become ajar.

Can we do this ourselves, the explorers unanimously chanted. Bob2 releases the explorers to try these new and interesting feats on their own. The explorers tested several different proportions of vinegar and Alka-seltzer to try to create an explosion. The first few times were uneventful but closer to the end, presto! the explorers create an explosion. The chemical reaction explodes out of the bottles and the caps on top fly off. "Look at that," an expression of the dazzled spectators exclaim. Bob2 then asks the explorers whether or not if they can make the explosion cause a force that would propel the caps farther.

So, the explorers are at it again. Mixing larger quantities of Alka-seltzer and vinegar. Finally, the explorers create an explosion that reaches almost thirty feet! Concluding their thrilling time the explorers come inside and place their data on a line graphing program to compare their results.

After a short break, the explorers are introduced to a computational science programs called MacSpartan®. Bob2 shows the explorers how to model and manipulate different chemical compounds. The explores model a total of twelve chemical compounds each ranging in various difficulty levels, from a molecule with three carbon atoms to benzene rings with complex molecular strings. The explorers learn about chemical reactions, how to model and graph data, and to use chemistry-oriented computer applications.