Many may wonder what is up with all the tires scattered around the Hands-On Science Center (HOSC). The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has given HOSC $78,000 to help dispose of used environmentally unfriendly tires. Our new next-door neighbor, CRM, takes tires and freezes in liquid nitrogen (-320 degrees F), which makes rubber very brittle. They then shatter them into small crumbs. (HOSC frequently demonstrates this process to school groups.)

HOSC has purchased 200,000 pounds of rubber nuggets, recycled tire lumber and other recycled products which will be used to expand and renovate the parking lot. In addition, HOSC will create a new exhibit which will be an outdoor maze. This will consist of a series of science trivia questions guiding you through the maze and is designed to be reconfigured on a frequent basis.

Volunteers are sought as we could use help with this project. Email austin@hosctn.org if interested.

Bill Boss

HOSC Science Advisor

Tullahoma