Da Vinci Science Center Partners With Tinius Olsen to Teach Young Scientists How to Test Potato Chips and Other Materials

HORSHAM, PA--(Marketwire - February 17, 2010) - The Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown, PA held a unique program on Saturday, January 30, to teach boys and girls (grades 4-6) from two membership clubs, Explorers and Inventors, how to solve a unique potato chip challenge. The goal of the program was to design and create mailing packages to protect a single potato chip as it passed through a delivery obstacle course. To assist the young scientists, Tinius Olsen, the Horsham, PA-based manufacturer of materials testing machines and systems, supplied one of its H1kS benchtop universal testing machines. The children performed tensile testing to establish the "breaking point" of potato chips, in addition to a variety of other materials. According to C. Robert Tait, III, President of Tinius Olsen, "We are delighted to be able to give back to the community by supporting the Da Vinci Science Center's terrific programs to engage the technologists of tomorrow in such an imaginative way."

"The 35 children who participated had a great time," notes Frank Schweighardt, who coordinated the program for the Da Vinci Science Center. "Several local television news stations covered the event and we have posted the video. The material also went over well with the parents who were present, so we are considering repeating the program with another members group, this one comprised of seniors."

According to Wayne Hayward, Tinius Olsen's Marketing Manager, "Because the actual users of our testing machines tend to be technical directors and engineers involved in quality assurance, materials evaluation, and product development programs, it was refreshing to be able to reach an entirely new audience of aspiring scientists."

Explorer and Inventor Club members can enjoy monthly Saturday morning science workshops conducted by volunteer scientists like Frank Schweighardt. Explorer Club members conduct real-world science experiments, while Inventor Club members conceive and develop their own invention ideas. Both clubs were created in 2008 to provide the more than 1,500 member households with the opportunity for a richer Da Vinci Science Center experience.

The Da Vinci Science Center is located at 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, PA 18103. For more information, call (484) 664-1002 or visit www.davinci-center.org.

Tinius Olsen is a global provider of materials testing solutions (equipment, software, and calibration services) with 125 years of testing experience. For more information, contact: Tinius Olsen, 1065 Easton Road, Horsham, PA 19044 USA, (215) 675-7100, Fax (215) 441-0899, www.TiniusOlsen.com.

Contact Information: Press Contacts: Wayne Hayward Marketing Manager Tinius Olsen (215) 675-7100 Dennis Zehner Press Relations Da Vinci Science Center (484) 664-1002 ext. 112 Dan Ditzler Newton Associates (610) 964-9300