Making science fun on the parkway

The sidewalks of Logan Square were filled with science fans visiting white experiment-filled tents Saturday for the Science Carnival on the Parkway, an event of the 10-day Philadelphia Science Festival.

Mayor Nutter joined Dow president and CEO Jerome Peribere as he announced the company would not only contribute $100,000 for next year's festival, but would double the donation if other sponsors matched it.

"All the improvements which are going on right now are thanks to science," said Peribere. He said he was especially happy that children can see "that science is fun."

Peribere heads the company's Dow Advanced Materials Division which is the umbrella group of the Philadelphia-based Dow specialty materials businesses.

"This is the perfect place and the perfect time to talk about science and get young people actively engaged," Nutter said from the stage in front of the Franklin Institute.

Organizations and schools set up displays to teach both young and old about science during the afternoon long event.

This is the second year for the ten-day festival which opened on Friday and features lectures, debates, and hands-on activities.