COSI Provides Science Behind Christmas

Christmas at COSI is not like anyplace else in Ohio.

They do a 'bang' up job with the holiday, as visitors see with a popping red balloon.

"We like to do things with explosions and fire and things that can really catch people's attention," said Steve Whitt, COSI Experience Programs.

Whitt is the manager of Experience Programs at COSI. He performs experiments in the Holiday Lights Live Show that among other things, explains the history behind candles at Christmas.

"Way back in the 1800's, Michael Faraday was a famous scientist in England. He gave what's called the Christmas Day lecture," explained Whitt. "And his very first Christmas Day lecture was  the science of the candle."
 
From there the experiments continue with fire and ice, reported ONN's Lisa Smith.

"One of the things that we use a lot is liquid nitrogen, 320 degrees below zero farenheit, probably the coldest thing you'll ever see in your life," said Whitt.

There are also lots and lots of lights which really sparkle with the use of special glasses.

"We talk about electric lights, and how we generate electricity and the secret that is in every source of light," added Whitt.

He even works in a classic scene from the movie A Christmas Story, so you know there's a reason why you don't lick a metal pole in the winter.

Audience participation is a big part of the show, and sparking an interest in science is the main goal.

"The best thing about this show is when somebody comes up to me afterwards and says 'Wow, that was amazing, how'd you do that?' And then I get to talk to them about the science behind the  experience you just saw," added Whitt.

Workshops after the show give you a chance to try some experiments yourself.

The Holiday Lights Live show runs daily through New Year's Day. COSI will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.