10-12-26 Natural Bridge –
Red River Gorge Discovery Zone popped up at the Richard Jett Celebration at HoeDown Island of Natural Bridge State Resort Park In Slade on September 26th. The Red River Gorge Discovery Zone (RRGDZ) is a traveling pop-up learning experience focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM). Through hands-on activities and live presentations, it introduces students to the natural history and conservation of the Red River Gorge while connecting them to scientists working around the world.
Alicia Bowman designed, and together with Hannah Brewer, executed the magic milk experiment. Eight children and seven adults participated. The young explorers decorated a circle cut from paper towel using food coloring or markers. They then added a small drop of dishwashing liquid to the center of the circle and put the circle into a shallow bowl of milk. Learning about surface tension, the explorers saw the soap (a surface-active agent) break the bond of the surface molecules as the soap was attracted to the fat molecules in the milk. Currents created by the soap catalyst pulled the food coloring and created swirling patterns. The explorers then used watercolor paper to capture the colorful milk pattern.
Lynne and Stacy Stidham and Jane Hayes assisted with setup and tear down.
Funded by grants from TC Energy, Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, and Powell County Tourism Commission, and supported by fiscal sponsors Community Partners of Powell County and Powell County Tourism, the all-volunteer effort includes other organizations and team members not listed above. Organizations/individuals who donated or loaned items to assist the Discovery Zone in the 2026 season include Sandy Hall, Suzanne Smith, DJ Ledford, Ovie Hollon, Regina Mulcahy, Maria Reed, David Davis, and Josh Davis. Father Al Fritsch, may he rest in peace, formerly of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Appalachia Science in the Public Interest, Society of Jesus, and formerly of Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church (Stanton) and of St. Elizabeth of Hungary (Ravenna), was the inspiration for the Discovery Zone.
Check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/rrgdiscoveryzone/ and our website at rrgdiscoveryzone.com. Join us at our next event on October 31st at Callie’s Campground in Bowen!
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