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Add Some Chemistry to Your Child’s Next Party with Science
By Charles Bowman

Are you tired of parties themed around television shows or other current fads? Do you want to fuel your child’s desire to learn while still having a fantastic party? It doesn’t have to be a job for SuperMom—creating a science party is as easy as following your child’s interests, building the party around a central concept, and finding the right type of help. If you follow the tips below, don’t be surprised if this is your most successful party ever.

Make it matter: Start with what interests your child, and plan a party around that. From sports (motion) to a favorite food (chemistry, biology) to cartoons (animation, color), there’s science everywhere. Make your child part of the planning process and incorporate their ideas into the party. You’ll find that science isn’t limited to certain ages nor is it a boy or girl thing—science (and learning) is universal!

Get help: Nobody knows everything. Whether you have a Ph.D. or no degree at all, there is always something new to be learned. Expect kids (or other non-experts) to offer awesome unexpected questions and ideas. Ask others for their opinion on how best to have a science party based on your chosen theme, and let your child help in the research.

Keep it coherent: Rather than a smorgasbord of science “tricks,” pick out a science concept, based on your child’s passion, to use as the centerpiece for your party. Build all of your activities and demos around that concept. Keeping the party coherent allows your guests to wrap their heads around the action and make it theirs.

Ditch the lab coat: Science discovery doesn’t stop when you leave the lab. Avoid stigmatizing science by bringing in lab coats, beakers, or other science clichés. The more you encourage science in everyday ways, the more accessible it becomes, making for a party that doesn’t end after the cake’s been cut.

Call in the “Big Guns”: You don’t have liquid nitrogen or lasers sitting around, do you? The right party may require specialized or potentially dangerous stuff. Find the right company who is willing and able to come in and assist you with your party or even run it for you. Call them and get a feel for their culture. When talking about your party, do they get you excited? Be sure to ask for science qualifications. Presenters with science backgrounds won’t be afraid to adapt to guests’ questions and ideas. Make sure they will adapt the party to your guests’ interests and ages and use their experience to help create the perfect party.

Charles Bowman is a scientist with Wondergy, which offers fun, interactive events for schools, sporting events, and even children’s birthday parties. Their philosophy is that education is entertainment. Wondergy is a team of scientists who love to explore the world and share it with others. For more information, visit www.wondergy.com.