Kids Science Show: Don't Believe Your Eyes & Ears!

Jo Hecker interacts with Tim of NCAR to explore clouds at NCAR's Mesa Lab weather exhibit
special event
Aug. 6, 2020

10:00 – 11:30 am MDT

Virtual

Scientist holding an ultrasound sensor with a flying (stuffed animal) bat.

Can you listen to your TV remote control? How can you make the Mars rover Curiosity appear on your own kitchen table? Can you see heat or even watch farts? What’s the astounding link between art and science? After his successful shows in 2018 and 2019, scientist Jo Hecker comes to your homes virtually to answer these questions and many more! Bring your curious minds and tune in to discover the world of science. You’ll see and hear the world differently after participating in this event!

Jo Hecker

Jo Hecker studied electrical engineering, works as a science journalist, and has worked in science education for nearly 20 years. He is an author of popular science books for children and hosts kids' TV shows. With his science shows, he travels around the world, from Thailand to Alaska. He's presented twice at the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab in Boulder, CO, and was very impressed by the people he met there. Because of COVID-19, he will hold his show virtually this year.  As Jo says, “I don’t like science. I love science!”

Experiment Supplies

For some of the activities, you can follow along with Jo and do the experiment yourself at home (with proper parent/guardian supervision, of course)!  Here's a list of supplies you will need:

Scientist Jo Hecker holding an image showing forced perspectives of a stack of books in a room where the books appear larger than the walls.

  • Experiment 1: A pressure cooker, some water, and something made of styrofoam
  • Experiment 2: Ames Room cutout (downloadable here as a PDF; 500 KB), Scotch tape, and two small, identical items (like two marshmallows, two gummy bears, two eggs, etc.) - we will assemble the Ames Room together during the show
  • Experiment 3: A broom

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