Our sense of sight relies on the presence of light. However, since light is not visible as it travels through air, it is not always obvious how important light is in creating the world we see. Light bouncing off objects gives them their color and creates reflections in shiny surfaces. Objects that block light create shadows that move and change as the object moves. The Leap into Science light and shadow workshops invite children and families to experiment with light and explore the ways that light interacts with objects to create shadows, reflections, and more.

Air is everywhere—but how do we know it exists if we can’t see it? Air is most noticeable when we feel it in the form of wind. Wind can be a light breeze that blows our hair on a spring day, or a strong gust that knocks down trees during a powerful storm. We can also see air when it fills up space inside a bubble or a balloon. The Leap into Science wind workshops invite children and families to experiment with air and explore the ways that an invisible substance can produce visible effects.

We balance all the time, even without realizing it. We bend over to pick up something we dropped, walk along curbs, run up and down hills or steps, and carry heavy bags on one shoulder—all without falling over. The Leap into Science balance workshops invite children and families to learn more about the science of balance by exploring and manipulating the placement of weight in toys, structures, and in their own bodies.