This autumn semester, I’ve found myself doing volunteer work for the Center of Science and Industry, otherwise known as COSI. COSI is a museum for scientific breakthroughs aimed at children, so they may learn new things about our world from a young age. When I volunteered, my job was to run simple experiments in the hallways of the building, to capture the interest of museum patrons, and if I can help it, to involve them in the experiment. In most cases, I would perform a demonstration for them and then ask them why they think the demonstration occurred the way it did. After giving me their best theory, I would explain the true reason in my own words.

My work station for the “Gumdrop Experiment,” which demonstrated how all senses affect what food tastes like.

I find the work I’ve done at Cosi to be significant because the primary audience for my experiments was children. Even if I fumbled up my words sometimes while trying to explain the demonstration, I would always try to be charming enough that the memory sticks with the children, who may one day need to know the information I’m giving them. I imagine one day, perhaps they will be asked a question about the law of inertia, and then remember how when they will remember that older kid who showed inertia in action with those two bike wheels. Or perhaps some of them will become scientists themselves when they grow up, perhaps because of an interest garnered at a young age by a day a COSI.