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Students Start Fires In Name Of Science

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 6, 2007

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Before the Berkeley Preparatory School science club could shoot colored flames, bubble chemicals and create explosions, it had to understand the hows and the whys.

Berkeley Prep students recently put on a science demonstration filled with experiments that made their fifth-grade visitors gasp and cover their ears, but the message behind the showy displays was strictly academic.

'Our job is to teach them about it and not just put it on,' said Chris Gabos, an eighth-grader at Berkeley Prep.

Emcee Connor Stonesifer, also an eighth-grader, took Dickenson Elementary students from experiment to experiment.

'You're in for a real great show today,' he said, welcoming the fifth-graders. 'Be prepared to hear loud noises and see explosions. Please don't try any of this at home.'

A student demonstrated centripetal force by swinging a glass of water on a board over his head without spilling a drop. Another student skewered a balloon with a long needle without popping it. Baby powder burst into flames, shaving cream billowed and exploded, and acetone dissolved Styrofoam cups into goo.

The science club has performed its experiments as a show for four years, starting with younger children at Berkeley and reaching out to Dickenson Elementary School last year. Dickenson, a public school, is down the street from Berkeley.

Courtney Cairns Pastor

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