Watch CBS News

With a Bang, Philadelphia Gears Up For Annual Science Festival

By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Excitement was building today for the fifth annual Philadelphia Science Festival, which starts next month.

With a countdown of "3-2-1...," soapsuds exploded from a container, covering those gathered on the steps of the Franklin Institute.

The demonstration, called the "Soap Bubble Monster," illustrates the expansion of nitrogen as it quickly turns from a liquid into a gas and, if trapped in a closed container with soap, there is a reaction.

Gerri Trooskin, director of the Philadelphia Science Festival, says it's  clean fun to get the public pumped for the nine-day event.

"The festival is really about showcasing how fun and interactive science can really be," she says, "and sometimes we find when we use explosive experiments this way, it really drives home that idea."

There are more than 100 events planned at various venues throughout the region, including in neighborhoods, parks, museums, bars, and restaurants.

The festival takes place April 24th to May 2nd.

 

More CBS Philly Science News

 

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.