It was all about fire and dry ice Thursday night as students from Crawford Woods Elementary School were subjected to a series of experiments by a bona fide Mad Scientist.

The evening was one of four annual Curriculum Nights at Crawford Woods, where parents get information and children get help with upcoming Ohio Achievement Tests, according to Kristin Foley, a Title teacher and event organizer.

“This time, it was for parents and students from K to 6,” Foley said.

Students in grades three through six were given measuring supplies such as compasses and protractors to help prepare them for the math and science portions of the OAA.

Parents were supplied with practice tests, study tips and an assortment of math card games and flash cards to help their students study.

To cap the evening off, both parents and students were treated to a performance by “Seismic” Steve Hackman, one of about area performers for Mad Scientist, a company that provides learning programs to schools and groups throughout the region.

With a lot of audience participation, students learned about scientific concepts like absorption, combustion and air pressure, like a magic show with a lesson attached.

They launched items across the Crawford Woods gymnasium, played with carbon dioxide “smoke” bubbles and made a giant cloud in the middle of the gym floor.

A full-time youth minister by day, Hackman said that many of the Mad Scientists are teachers, actual scientists or professionals in various walks of life.

“All of us have a passion for teaching kids and all of us enjoy science,” he said.

The Mad Scientist programs are all aligned to STEM objectives, meet state extracurricular activities standard and follow professional lesson plans