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At Carnegie Science Center, the Fun's Not Just for Kids

You never quite outgrow the excitement of dropping a Mentos in a liter of Coke to create a “geyser” or watching objects explode in a microwave, or at least that’s what the staff at the Carnegie Science Center thinks.

This is why the Science Center is opening its doors Sept. 6 to those who are kids at heart, but actually age 21 and older. The Science Center is inviting adults to its monthly 21+ Night, September’s theme being “Viral Videos.”

“What we’re going to be doing is reenacting some of your favorite videos from video-land, from YouTube, if you’ve never seen Diet Coke with Mentos dropped in, you’re going to see it here,” said Susan Zimecki, director of marketing and community affairs. “And we’re going to do experiments because this is a science center, after all.”

The staff will experiment with different flavors of Mentos and kinds of Coke to see what gets the biggest geyser.

They will also pop balloons with lasers, blend and microwave — and explode — objects and teach the science behind the “cinnamon challenge.”

Zimecki said the 21+ nights began a year ago, after seeing adults come to the Science Center but hanging back from the exhibits because of the kids.

“Science is fun for everybody and we make it fun here at the Science Center, you’re learning without even realizing that you’re learning,” Zimecki said. “There is inside of each of us a little scientist or a grown up scientist who wants to discover the world and have fun in so doing.”

Adults have access to all the exhibits in the Science Center and there will be a cash bar, snacks and a local ska band.

Zimecki said the adults are drawn to all the exhibits, especially the Miniature Railroad and Village and Spaceplace.

“It’s been really interesting to me how the adults like even the exhibits that are meant for the youngest children like we have an area…called Exploration Station Junior and that is especially designed for children three to six years old who often get pushed aside by bigger kids on our other exhibits…well guess what, adults love it, too,” Zimecki said.

People can register for the event by calling the Science Center at (412) 237-3400 or going to the website.

Jess is from Elizabeth Borough, PA and is a junior at Duquesne University with a double major in journalism and public relations. She was named as a fellow in the WESA newsroom in May 2013.