The YMCA Sippican Learning Center has been an experimental laboratory thanks to this week’s “Mad Scientists” event, part of the Enlightening Adventures program going on throughout the summer. Volcanoes erupted Tuesday as kids gathered around in lab coats and goggles while Sharon Fayette and Diandra Bergman taught about reactions.

The classic homemade remedy of water, baking soda, and vinegar set off the first volcano. Around 14 children surrounded the green clay structure decorated with orange sprinkles of lava. A resounding cheer went up after Bergman added the vinegar, sending up foam-covered “lava” from the volcano’s core.

But the main event of the morning was an eruption made from Mentos mints and soda.

“We’ve been having a contest between Pepsi and Diet Coke,” Bergman said. “Our mad scientists are having a lot of fun.”

As Bergman prepared to drop the Mentos in, some of the kids covered their ears or eyes not knowing what to expect. With the drop of a few mints the soda quickly erupted and caused a tall fountain to shoot out. Diet Coke was deemed the winner.

“We tried this last year,” Fayette said, “and Diandra used more mints than we thought we needed. Unfortunately she was wearing a white sweater too so she got Coke all over it!”

Children will be doing more science experiments including making a cornstarch-based ooze and creating origami throughout the week. The Sippican Learning Center is still accepting registration for the remainder of the summer with programs such as “Color My World” and “Amazing Adventures.” The last week starts August 22.

For more information, call (508) 748-0651 or send an email to sfayette@ymcasouthcoast.org.