Families Put Chemistry to the Test in Explosive New Science Show
Children and families can put their science knowledge to the test in a brand-new live game show experience, exploring the spectacular, fiery and downright messy world of chemistry.
Launching at Dundee Science Centre on Saturday 3 October 2026, FACT or FICTION: Curious Chemistry will challenge audiences to predict whether a series of six intriguing chemistry statements are fact or fiction, before fascinating, eye-catching demos reveal the answer.
From making a gooey, gross substance called ‘oobleck’ dance to music to using an ‘invisible fire extinguisher’ to put fires out, visitors can also watch steel wool glow without matches or lighters.
There will also be a chance to investigate the science hiding in the breakfast bowl by bringing a magnet close to a bowl of iron-fortified cereal, the element added to many everyday foods.
Three showstoppers will then bring the daily show to a spectacularly messy end, including ‘elephant’s toothpaste’, where audiences will be wowed as a mass of foamy bubbles forms before their very eyes, using a mix of ingredients, including milk.
The ‘magic blue bottle’ will also challenge audiences to make a liquid turn blue without adding anything to it.
Jill Farrell, CEO, Dundee Science Centre, said, “While we’re often warned not to try this at home, we’re turning the tables on chemistry this October, basing most of our experiments on household items.
“Chemistry is essentially learning about what everything is made of – a combination of elements or compounds. Sometimes when you mix two elements or compounds together, they can spark some pretty radical and surprising reactions, and we’ve picked the best to showcase this October!
“But while many of the demonstrations look spectacular, the show will also highlight that science can be straightforward. Indeed, most of the experiments can be recreated at home using child-safe, everyday items, with a responsible grown-up helping. This allows families to keep exploring chemistry back home – another way in which Dundee Science Centre makes science accessible for all.”
For more information and to book, visit https://www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk/
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