Science Steve performs an experiment on Neutrino Day.
Toilet paper flies, balloons pop, children laugh and kids discover a fascination for science during scientific demonstrations by “Science" Steve Rokusek. A South Dakota Public Broadcasting education specialist, Rokusek makes science fun for audiences of all ages. And he does it by using humorous demonstrations that bring to life the laws of physics, chemistry, anatomy and more.
Rokusek has been a mainstay during Sanford Lab's Neutrino Day celebrations. This year he will once again provide entertaining science demonstrations on July 8 in Lead. Rokusek said science is all around us and is evident in "how and why we can walk, how a chair supports our weight, why soap cleans our dishes, why tires lose pressure in the winter. Just take a look, experiment, explore and learn.”
Learning about science shouldn’t stop when we leave the classroom. “Interest and the willingness to learn supersedes age,” Rokusek said. Events like Neutrino Day inspire people of all ages in the community to explore the world and discover things unknown.
Students are not the only ones to be inspired by Science Steve. Parents and educators also learn from his demonstrations and use them to teach those around them about how to discover science and keep it fun.
June Apaza, director of Education and Outreach at Sanford Lab, said, “Science Steve brings the 'Ah-ha!' moments to science learning."
And kids aren't the only ones enjoying the demonstrations. “If I am having fun, then the audience usually is too,” Rokusek said.