Tempe Science Program Pivots Business Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

TEMPE, AZ — With school happening virtually and large gatherings off the table for the time being, Tempe's Mad Science has had to pivot its business model as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

"We have tried to offer some different stuff but right now we’re just sort of laying low," Sara King, director of operations for the science-based company, told Patch.

In a typical year, Mad Science offers science demonstrations for after-school clubs, birthday parties, day cares and summer camps. The coronavirus has ground such activities to a halt in 2020.

King said the Tempe franchise, which was established in the Valley nearly 20 years ago, is running a select few after-school programs at the moment and people are just now beginning to book them for birthday parties as we head into fall. She's hoping business continues to ramp up as Halloween nears, as most of their experiments can be themed for the holiday — dry ice included.

"It’s nice to see stuff start coming back," she said. "I hope it continues that way safely."

Much like stores have been forced to introduce curbside pick-up and some restaurants began selling groceries as the pandemic took over in March, Mad Science has had to pivot its business model.

Mad Science is doing most things virtually these days, with some small parties or clubs taking place in-person at school or the Tempe office on 1920 E. 3rd Street with a limited number of kids allowed. The company will bring materials for experiments to a school or birthday kid's house ahead of time before everyone gathers on Zoom to make elephant toothpaste — which releases heat and creates steam — or slime.

Interactivity is key to learning science, especially through a laptop screen, so King will talk students through the experiment or have kids vote on what they think will happen.

King recommends parents try to engage their kids in these experiments at home, even something as simple as mixing baking soda with vinegar to create cold temperatures in a cup.

"Home is where they’re going to go off on their own interesting path of what aspect of their science work in school really caught their attention and where can you take that," she said.

Until some sort of normalcy returns and Mad Science can get back to business, King said it is more than willing to be flexible if it means kids can learn science safely.