Weird science razzles, dazzles

A concave mirror stops Joshua Chaytor, 6, and sister Bonnie, 10, in their tracks at the science show. Picture / Greg Bowker

Lab-grown slime, bloodstains and chemical explosions drew more than 6000 children and parents to the University of Auckland's Incredible Science festival.

In its fifth year, the turnout at the one-day free event, yesterday far surpassed expectations.

Long queues were seen at all interactive activity areas, and lectures on subjects ranging from bacteria to brains were packed.

Science faculty manager Jill Reid said the forensic science lecture proved popular with the children.

So did playing with lab-conjured gloop.

A chemistry show, which included setting alight a hydrogen-filled balloon to a huge bang and light flash, also went down well.

Narada Bury, 8, came all the way from Whangamata with mum Tulasi.

They visited last year and were so impressed they decided to return. This year Narada was fascinated by a miniature lightning display inside plasma balls. The electricity display is right up the alley of the science fan who harbours ambitions of designing his own light sabre.

Another popular attraction was the Zorb Zone in the university's recreation centre, where kids could have a go inside the human-sized hamster ball.

Glen Eden Intermediate student Olivia Hutchinson, 11, waited 30 minutes for her turn, but the experience was worth the wait.

Ryan Walton, 12, was drawn towards the Van de Graaff generator, a popular physics teaching tool.

Putting his hand to the machine's dome-shaped top had an immediate effect, turning the Waikowhai Intermediate student's hairstyle into a frizzy afro, albeit temporarily.

Ryan's mum Fiona had turned the science festival into an educational outing for the whole family.

She said: "It gets them out of the house. They spend far too much time watching television."