A world record was set on Science Day 2007 when 1,000 grade school kids from four states joined KFVS-TV in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and sent 974 Mentos fountains up into the air at exactly the same time. Bringing kids together to experience the hands-on experiment, which involved a chemical reaction between soda and Mentos, was the brainchild of a KFVS meteorologist who wanted to get kids excited about science, as was the idea to dedicate a specific day to the celebration of science. To generate enthusiasm about both, the station ran on-air and online announcements inviting children, parents and teachers to participate. When the Mentos fountains shot up into the air, some as high as 30 feet, KFVS broadcast it live on the 5 p.m. news. Before the event, kids were asked to nominate their favorite science educator. The three winning teachers were announced and follow-up coverage included footage of the teachers with their students in the classroom. Many surrounding communities adopted October 3 as Science Day, leading to a proposal by Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO-08) for Science Day to be officially adopted throughout the country.
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