Science and toys aren't usually associated with each other, but science has a lot to do with how toys work.
To show the connection between the two, Fort Discovery held Science of Toys presentations over the holidays.
"The kids really enjoy it because they find out how their toys work and learn that even their most complex toys are made up of simple machines," said demonstrator Joshua Bush.
Using K'nex toys, demonstrators illustrated the types of simple machines such as levers, wheels and axles, gears and incline planes.
The audience also took part in the interactive presentation by answering questions, asking some of their own and volunteering to help with demonstrations.
"Most of the questions we get are why and how toys work the way they work," Mr. Bush said. "They really get involved."
Despite its association with toys, many adults find the demonstration interesting, said Doug Holley, a demonstrator.
"When you use a curriculum about simple machines and a curriculum including toys, you bridge a gap between the adults and children and it becomes something everyone can enjoy," he said.
The primary goal of the demonstrations is to open people's eyes to how simple machines play a part in everyday life.
"Simple machines are all around us. Sometimes, we forget that they are there, but they are there," Mr. Holley said.
The Science of Toys ended Wednesday.
Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.
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