Principles of FST

Chemistry instructor and playwright Holly Walter Kerby developed these principles and techniques to circumvent anti-science feelings held by the majority of her students at the start of her chemistry courses. These tools were so successful at getting these students excited about science, that she convinced her chemistry and theater colleagues to try them in their chemical demonstration show for college students’ children. The show was a huge success, fun for performers and the audience, and measurably educational. The team members agreed—if we can do it, anyone can, and Fusion Science Theater was born.

Elements and Principles of Fusion Science Theater
FST events contain these elements	Principles or why these elements work
Scientific core	Science first
Traditional science outreach activities like demonstrations, presentations, and hands-on activities are presented by science educators. Activities are introduced by a question and conducted as an exploration.	Nothing engages and inspires people to do science like learning a little science. Inquiry activatess curiosity and inspires learning. Accurate, up-to-date science must be central in all FST events.
Theatrical framework	Science education and engagement through theater
Science activities are placed in a fun, whimsical, easily recognized, theatrical theme. Host characters introduce science activities, interact with the audience, provide comic relief, and direct "Act-It-Out" sequences. Scientific questions serve as Dramatic Questions of the show.	Theatrical frame heightens and shapes audience expectations and appreciation of the spectacle, of the demonstrations. Stimulates imagination, emotions, sense of wonder. Characters engage emotions of audience members, making them feel more connected to the science content. Fun decreases the anxiety some people feel concerning science. Audience participation increases sense of inclusion, empowerment.
Act-It-Out Segments	Participation/Physical Representation
Audience members are invited to the stage to physically act out scientific principles central to demonstrations.	Participation keeps children and their parents engaged in science content Focuses children on understanding science concepts/metaphors behind demonstrations.

Kids from the audience "acting out" formation of the polymer SLIME.

Free Public Performance of "The Boiling Point"

WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 11:00 am

WHERE: Madison Area Technical College Downtown Education Center, room D240

Enter MATC from the Wisconsin Street Entrance (entrance with arch), go up steps to second floor atrium-- show is in room 240, just off the atrium.

"The Boiling Point" is a 30-minute traveling, "Science in a Box" show featuring exciting experiments, audience participation, dancing molecules, and a very mysterious box! Boiling is something you see everyday, but do you know what is actually happening? Our lively, interactive show will clear up that mystery, once and for all!

OPTIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOP: Interested in performing this Science in a Box show and learning the secrets of this fun, exciting, and educational integration of
science and theater? Fusion Science Theater is holding a workshop on Saturday, November 15, 2008 (9:00 am to 4:00 pm) to train individuals and groups to do just that. Workshop places are limited. Contact Marcy Weiland (mweiland@tds.net) to sign up or get more information on this opportunity.