Kids Go Mad for Mad Science ; Former Teacher Says Getting Students Interested Starts With Hands- on Fun

Eyes wide and mouths gaping, students at Green Magnet Math and Science Academy can’t get enough of the guy in the white lab coat and goggles.

As the youngsters sit on the gymnasium floor, all hands shoot up as soon as “Mad Scientist” Doug Hullander says he needs a volunteer.

Not knowing what the student volunteer will be called to do doesn’t matter to the elementary kids, who just want to “ooh and aah” at Hullander’s hands-on science experiments, all revolving around the topic of air pressure.

Showing the force of a tornado in a water-filled 2-liter jug and how a balloon will collapse when placed in a cooler of liquid nitrogen are two of the lessons during the afternoon assembly.

Hullander, a former science teacher and now a franchise owner of the educational company Mad Science, captivates children (K-5) with science any way he can –after-school programs, school assemblies, birthday parties and special events.

Hullander said, “The world around them and the world they live in is science — this is just a way to make it fun.”

With a table full of common household items, Hullander’s program gives children a chance to see science at work in the world, be a part of it and “get turned on.”

Six-year-old De’Airus Smith couldn’t help jumping on his feet every time Hullander did an experiment.

Fire shooting up from a metal tube was an experiment that caught the attention of De’Airus.

Hullander said Mad Science has it covered, exploring everything from robotics to electricity.

Andrea Durbin, first-grade teacher at Green Magnet, views the program as sparking imaginations and creativity.

“In class, they learn about plants and animals,” she said. “But we haven’t talked about air pressure or seen any examples like those given in the presentation.”

Hullander said it seems students get turned off early when it comes to the topic of science.

“If they get the chance to do something hands-on and see how much science is a part of everyday life,” he said, “they might change their perspective.”

For information about Mad Science Knoxville or to book a program, call 865-531-4025.

Chandra Harris may be reached at 865-342-6425.