Turned on to science

AUBURN - When Carrie Miles entered the National Science Center's Mobile Discovery Center, she had no idea she was about to embark on a hair-raising experience.

Standing on a plastic stool at the front of the trailer, Miles placed her right hand on a large metal ball. With the flip of a switch, her long, blonde, curly hair began to stick straight up, an effect of static electricity. Her fellow eighth-graders in the packed van applauded.

When the Discovery Center's van visited West Middle School, both students and teachers were immersed in the excitement and education behind the world of hands-on science.