March 28, 2024

Mad Science brings imaginative learning to NPL

Hands-on science for children

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The owner of Mad Science of Central Iowa brought a number of hands-on experiments to the Newton Public Library Friday as a part of the youth summer reading program.

More than 20 children and parents sat in awe of the many mini-explosions and demolitions constructed by Jim Birkel, owner of Mad Science of Central Iowa.

Birkel has visited the Newton Public Library five times before, but his enthusiasm for teaching children hasn’t altered.

The summer reading program at NPL is titled “Build a Better World.” Birkel said he wanted to incorporate that theme into the experiments he conducted. One by one, Birkel chose volunteers, and children took a crack at demolishing a tower of blocks, building an arch and popping a balloon with a remote control.

Four children volunteered to put together their version of the St. Louis Arch out of Styrofoam blocks and Velcro. Other experiments focused on the importance of technology and engineering.

Birkel also explained the importance of building “green” and sustainably.

Youth services librarian Phyllis Peter said she, too, learned a lot from listening to Birkel’s presentation.

“I think this a great program for kids at this age,” Peter said. “We made it for kids five and up so that way they could understand the concepts.”

Birkel said he has been visiting small towns across the Midwest for 13 years as the Mad Science guy.

Birkel said he has a bachelor of arts degree in forestry and science is a big part of that.

“I’m a small town guy myself and my job is to bring Mad Science to small towns,” Birkel said. “I purposefully promote in the summer time when children are able to attend.”

Birkel said when he visits libraries he likes to stress the importance of reading programs and encourages children to be interested in science.

“Keep working on your reading program, and you can achieve anything you want to do in life,” Birkel said.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com