Lessons from a Homemade Mad Science Birthday Party

Slime = GREAT! Just don't try to pick up the bowl with your hands right after mixing up and handing out the slime or you WILL drop it on the floor. And remember to remove all rings before you slime up your hands or you could knock your ring right into the sink. (Thankfully, mine didn't go down the drain.) Oh, and don't listen to those Internet recipes that call for coloring the slime with food coloring. Use paint; it works, much, much better.

Alka Seltzer + Water in Film Canisters = FUN! (Film canisters found at Penn Camera on Rockville Pike in case you want to replicate this one. You must use the canisters with tops that seal tightly.)

Toothpick towers built with candy and other junk food -- Engaging, but not so successful, surprisingly.

Mentos in Diet Coke = One big mess with lots of laughs.

Thank goodness the snow fell the day BEFORE the party.