This weekend’s World Maker Faire 2010 brought out the scientist in all of us. We couldn’t help but be amazed at all the inventing and experimenting going on around us. Everywhere we turned we were greeted with flames, loud noises, and—FishBikez? (Yes, FishBikez.) All this fun, and all in the name of science! It was a curious person’s heaven.
So it’s no surprise that Potato Chip Science author Allen Kurzweil felt right at home, amongst all the makers and experimenters and amateur explosion enthusiasts! Allen and his son and co-author Max wowed the crowds with their special brand of interactive, do-it-yourself, potato chip-based science.
Prepping the Potato Propulsion Pipe.
Making some noise with the Sound Spinner.
A major highlight was the Potato Propulsion Pipe, which involved launching bits of—you guessed it—potato all over the tent (and the innocent bystanders). All it took was a potato knife, a pencil, a propulsion pipe, and a potato, and boom—instant physics experiment. We knew flying vegetables were fun, but who knew they were educational?! (Allen and son, that’s who.) Other projects featured at the event included the Chip-Tube Gobbler (It’s a turkey! It’s a chicken! It’s a chip tube!!) and the Sound Spinner, with which budding scientists Joe and his grandpa (above) proved that Potato Chip Science really is fun for the whole family.
Max and Allen with a young scientist.
The Kurzweils gave us a scientific experience that none who witnessed it will soon forget. But don’t worry if you missed them this weekend—Allen’s just beginning his book tour around the country! Check out the official Potato Chip Science website to learn when he’ll be in a city near you. Plus check out the site’s activities, videos, and much more.
In the meantime, stay tuned for more highlights from World Maker Faire 2010! Coming soon: 62 Projects to Make with a Dead Computer author Randy Sarafan breaks out the Squiggle Bot.
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