This is a guest post series by my oldest son, who has been inspired by the book 101 Places You Gotta See Before You are 12 by Joanne O'Sullivan to see all 101 places before he is 12 at the end of the year.
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Where am I? The largest Van de Graaff generator in the world at the Museum of Science in Boston, Massachusetts.
Why am I Here? Well, I wanted to see something that was the largest in the world, but it was located in the United States. I learned about this Van de Graaf generator by watching a movie on static electricity. So, when I got to Boston, I knew I had to visit.
What’s so cool about it, anyway? Well, it’s the largest Van de Graaf generator in the world, so what would you expect from something that awesome. It used to be used to split atoms…ooohhh! But, now it is used for an electrifying show. It’s loud. It’s bright. It’s totally shocking. I’d recommend seeing for yourself.
Well, did you learn anything? I learned, believe or not, that electricity itself is invisible. Let me explain. Have you ever tripped and fallen on the floor? Have you ever seen the gravity that pulled you to the floor? No, all you saw was the floor. You saw the outcome, or result of gravity. A spark of lightening is just the result of electricity. Pretty cool, huh?
What should other kids know about visiting? If you are scared easily then I suggest bringing along sunglasses and ear protection. It is very loud and very bright.
Rate it on a Scale from 1 to 10: If it wasn’t clear enough-10!