Pinhead Institute Punk Science brings chemistry for kids to Cortez

The nonprofit Pinhead Institute returns to the Cortez Cultural Center on July 6 for its Punk Science learning series, which aims to help kids learn about science, technology, engineering and math and have fun doing it.

“Our Punk Science talks are a popular program with families because the kids get to participate and get their hands on the actual science presented,” said Sarah Holbrooke, executive director of the Pinhead Institute, a nonprofit based in Telluride.

On July 6, John Straub, Ph.D., a professor of chemistry at Boston University, will help kids explore the properties of the chemical elements through the use of experiments during a sometimes pyrotechnic presentation from 5:15-6 p.m.

Pinhead plans a presentation on Permafrost and Climate Change on July 20.

The Punk Science series of topics takes place at the Cortez Cultural Center Plaza from 5:15-6 p.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 3. Admission is free. A child with perfect attendance at all programs will head home with a GoPro camera. More information: www.pinheadinstitute.org.