Spangler Salutes Signet N. America

Steve Spangler featured Todd Skoglund and Ken Rost (the educational programs coordinators) on 9News as part of his salute to people who are Mad About Science. Just one look at the Signet North America website and you'll see how classroom science demonstrations play an important role in training emergency responders to consider many options when it comes to making decisions in the field.

During the interview, Todd Skoglund shared one of his favorite demonstrations, the Methane Mamba (created by Bob Becker). "The Methane Mamba demonstrated the density of a gas which is lighter than air," said Todd as the bubbling column of gas rose from the container of soapy water. "Methane gas was bubbled through an inverted, cut-in-half 1-liter bottle of soapy water. The methane bubbles, which are lighter than air, float. A growing column of bubbles rose from the bottle into the air and I strategically added drops of water to the column to make it sway like a snake. For the finale (and my favorite part), I set the bubble column on fire, showing that methane is also flammable."

Ken Rost and firefighter Ryan Shelton from the Parker Fire Department shared a special thermal imaging viewer used to detect hidden sources of heat. "Being Fire Prevention Week, I ignited some methanol in a bowl to show the dangers of the alcohol’s invisible, yet very real, flame. With help from the firefighter, we could hold a paper towel over the innocuous-looking bowl where it (the paper towel) would then catch fire as if by magic. In order to better see the flame, Ryan Shelton demonstrated an infrared camera which allows responders to see this invisible flame."

Steve Spangler added his excitement for this unique style of training. "I was excited to interview the team from Signet North America because I think it's important for people to see how science education extends well beyond the walls of the traditional classroom. Ken and Todd's enthusiasm for teaching real-world chemistry and physics has a contagious quality (that's good!), and I can't help but think that their hands-on approach is quickly replacing the boredom of PowerPoint slides used in the past."