This was the SWWC’s 32nd annual Science and Nature Conference, and welcomes in kindergarten through eighth-grade students for a day of science experiments while being introduced to a variety of topics.

“It’s showtime. You ready for some fun?” Norm Barnhart said to the eager crowd of students, who was the event’s keynote speaker. “There is science happening all around us.”

Before breaking out into interactive sessions, the students watched a performance from Barnhart who presented a handful of demonstrations that offered comedy, motivational speaking, magic illusions and various lessons of science.

The R/A Facility on the SMSU campus quickly filled up, packing the bleachers tight as the gymnasium filled with applause and reactions of wonder and amusement while Barnhart went through his demonstrations, getting the students excited for the day to come.

Photo by Samantha Davis: Marshall middle school student Cori Yang works on setting up a rocket she made at the SWWC Science and Nature Conference on Tuesday at Southwest Minnesota State University.

“We have lots of tricks, so keep your eyes open. Watch closely, make sure you’re watching closely … Magicians use science to trick our minds,” Barnhart said as he started off his presentation with a few magic tricks.

Barnhart has been presenting his “Amazing Science” shows for several years, and has done so in all 50 states in addition to 16 countries. His presentations demonstrate topics regarding physics and chemistry to spark student interest in science.

“Our first chemical reaction will be indoor fireworks. I’m glad you guys came today, because this is special paper that is not available in stores. It looks like paper, but it’s not even paper. It’s a chemical that looks like paper, pressed into the shape,” Barnhart said during a demonstration where he made a small indoor firework. “Magicians will use this paper in Las Vegas to make fireworks happen in the sky — Beautiful, magical fireworks. The paper will disappear very fast. Don’t blink your eyes.”

While Barnhart encouraged students to make hypotheses, he also motivated them to never quit, and to keep trying your best.

A popular demonstration of Barnhart’s encouraged students to use their senses to understand a chemical reaction when creating fake snow. He also invited students up throughout his presentation to assist.

Photo by Samantha Davis: Area student Brody Kidman (left) participates in an activity with keynote speaker and scientist Norm Barnhart (right) where he put a Mentos into a soda to cause a mini explosion at the SWWC Science and Nature Conference on Tuesday at Southwest Minnesota State University.

“We have senses to help us make observations … What do you think that looks like with your eyes? Some people say sand or salt or sugar. What does it smell like? No smell. What does it sound like? Nothing to hear, but it’s good to make observations anyway,” Barnhart said. “With your finger, put one finger in there and touch with one finger, what does it feel like? You can brush it off. It feels like sand, isn’t that wonderful? This stuff is special stuff we use in science to make a wonderful Hollywood movie that looks like snow is happening.”

Barnhart mixed the substance with water to create the fake snow, and jokingly sang “Jingle Bells” along with it.

Proceeding on with his demonstrations, Barnhart again encouraged students to continue on their educational and personal journeys with integrity and dedication, with the example of Thomas Edison.

“One of my favorite scientists is the guy that made it possible for us to read at night … That’s Thomas Edison that came up with a light bulb,” Barnhart said. “He never gave up. He tried 10,000 different light bulbs … Thomas Edison, an amazing scientist. He said that geniuses, being super smart in school, is 1% inspiration, having a good brain, but 99% perspiration — Trying hard, doing your best, never giving up. That’s the key to success.”

Students then spent the rest of the day participating in different activities and sessions that allowed them to explore realistic science concepts through critical thinking and observation. Sessions included topics in life science, earth science, chemistry, technology and more.

Photo by Samantha Davis: A Cedar Mountain student participates in the fossil-making class at the SWWC Science and Nature Conference on Tuesday at Southwest Minnesota State University.

Various classes included fossil making, science stunts, health careers, virtual cadaver exploration, electricity, rocket building, Lego robotics, anatomy, solar system adventures, zoo life and more.

Overall at this year’s conference, there were 20 school districts that attended with 722 students and adult chaperones. Additionally, there were 93 individual families that brought another 238 students and chaperones, for a total of 960 participants in the 32nd annual Science and Nature Conference. There were also 27 presenters that held sessions.

Of the 20 districts in attendance, some included Marshall, Minneota, Milroy, Dawson-Boyd, Murray County Central, Worthington, Benson, Lake Benton, Cedar Mountain and more.

Photo by Samantha Davis: Round Lake-Brewster School student Brisa Marroquin Miranda (left) engages with keynote speaker and scientist Norm Barnhart (right) in a balloon experiment at the SWWC Science and Nature Conference on Tuesday at Southwest Minnesota State University.

Photo by Samantha Davis: Keynote speaker and scientist Norm Barnhart presents a demonstration at the SWWC Science and Nature Conference on Tuesday at Southwest Minnesota State University, where there were over 900 participants in attendance.