Yellowknife (Feb 08/06) - Kitchen chemistry was a hot topic during the homemade science demonstration at the Amazing Family Sunday event this past weekend.

For interested onlookers, the best part was you didn't need a laboratory filled with bubbling test tubes to create little scientific wonders, said Shane Harnish, one of the demonstrators.

Instead, household items found in the kitchens of most homes were the key recipe for fun and amazement during the afternoon at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.

"Everything we are doing here you can do at home," Harnish said. "You are learning while you are having fun."

Children gathered around several tables where the various experiments were performed using a myriad of items ,such as balloons, paper, baking powder, vinegar, glue or Borax.

Experiments such as the creation of the carbon dioxide fire extinguisher using baking powder and vinegar were enjoyed by the children, he said.

The fireproof balloon experiment, where water was added to a balloon making it very resistant to flame, was an interesting display of thermodynamics.

"It shows the heat capacity of water. In a balloon without water, it will break very easily," Harnish explained.

"But with the balloon with water, the heat is absorbed into the water, so you can heat it longer."

For Kyra Hanninen, 6, that balloon experiment was the most fascinating.

"You got splashed with water," Kyra said of one of the fun surprising moments.

As for her sister Janaya, 3, it was the slime-making experiment that held her fascination.

Janaya did not hesitate when asked if she would like to make some at home.

"Yeah!," she said with a smile.

Sarah Mailman, 9, was quick to understand the various concepts surrounding each experiment. She, too, enjoyed the fireproof balloon demonstration.

"I like experimenting with science," she said.