American Scientist

The Hands On Science Center in the west wing of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History has a long, curving counter with stools that invite children, as a soda fountain might, to have a seat and enjoy what is served up. It is not ice cream sodas that are dispensed at this counter, however, but the excitement of science and technology, of discovery and invention. Where you might expect drinking glasses, there are chemistry beakers; instead of milk-shake machines, there are electric motors; in place of soda straws, there are tubes and wires—all close at hand to engage children. In fact, at a recent program at the museum, youngsters drawn into the Science Center, which is sponsored by the American Chemical Society, used chemicals that change colors to identify acids and bases and tested beverages for the different dyes they contain.