Hundreds Visit The Hall at Patriot Place to Discover Why ‘Science is Awesome’

Science came to life in nearby Foxborough Thursday as a group of scientists entertained hundreds of children from across the area with demonstrations like Rainbows of Fire, Elephant Toothpaste and a bed of nails inside the Raytheon Theater of the Hall at Patriot Place Presented by Raytheon.

The event, hosted by Raytheon, celebrated National Engineers Week - Feb. 17-23 - with Engineering Day at the Hall. Scientists from the organization, Science From Scientists, led the hour-long demonstration inside the Raytheon Theater, introducing children to the fascinating world of math and science.

"We really enjoy this because it allows us to get kids up on the stage and participate in the exercises," said Dr. Erika Ebbel Angle, CEO and Founder of Science from Scientists. "The goal is to try and show them that science is everywhere and it’s in everything and you never know who you are going to spark an interest in with these types of experiments."

The scientists interacted with over 300 children Thursday, engaging the young minds with up-close experiments like Chemiluminescence (or how chemicals can glow in the dark), Elephant Toothpaste (or how catalysts speed up reactions) and Rainbows of Fire (or how fireworks become different colors).

The crowd favorite, according to several children after the event, was the last of the show ... a bed of nails demonstration. One of the organization's scientists laid on the "bed of nails" and covered with a "blanket of nails." Another scientist placed a a concrete block on the blanket of nails (plywood) and broke it with a sledge hammer.

Thursday's Engineering Day was one of a series of events Raytheon held across the country in celebration of National Engineers Week. It is all part of Raytheon’s MathMovesU program, designed to encourage middle school students to become interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

“National Engineers Week is an ideal time to encourage students to explore science, technology, engineering and math,” said Raytheon Chairman and CEO William H. Swanson. “Each year, we hope the visibility and the week’s ‘learn-by-doing’ engineering experience inspires students nationwide to become a new generation of innovators.”

Dr. Angle was thrilled Science from Scientists had the opportunity to interact with so many children interested in science and math.

"We are so thankful Raytheon has gotten us involved," Dr. Angle said.

View the photo gallery above for scenes from Thursday's event and watch Dr. Angle's interview with Patch as she discusses the importance of relating science and engineering to children and providing engaging and interactive lessons similar to the one seen in Foxborough.

TELL US: Did you attend Thursday's event in Foxborough? What did you think about it?