The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation (CGIF) proudly participated in the seventh annual COSI Big Science Celebration on Saturday, May 3. Hosted by the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), one of the nation’s premier science museums, this exciting event served as the grand finale to the four-day COSI Science Festival and brought a full day of hands-on STEM learning to downtown Columbus, Ohio. The celebration unfolded on the vibrant outdoor plaza just outside the museum.
Widely recognized as one of the largest public STEM events in Ohio, the Big Science Celebration featured more than 100 booths from leading organizations in science, education, and industry. This year’s exhibitors included Intel, Honda, NASA, and The Ohio State University, among many others—each offering engaging activities for learners of all ages. Among them, the CGIF’s booth—“The Sweet Science Behind Glass Fibers”—stood out as a crowd favorite.
The CGIF’s booth offered a lively and interactive introduction to the materials science behind fiberglass and fiber optics. The Candy Fiber Pull demonstration returned as the highlight of the day, capturing the imagination of both children and adults. This well-loved demo uses melted Jolly Ranchers to illustrate how glass fibers are formed.
Located along the bustling Wolfe Drive directly in front of the museum, the CGIF’s booth quite literally stopped traffic. Curious attendees often paused as young scientists-in-training pulled long strands of candy fiber, drawing interest even from the event’s organizing staff and photographers. Real samples of fiberglass insulation, fiber optic lamps, and fiberglass snowboards were also available for participants to examine, giving families a complete, hands-on understanding of how these advanced materials are made and then incorporated into products from everyday life.
Events such as the COSI Big Science Celebration allow the CGIF to fulfill its mission of inspiring and educating the next generation of ceramic and glass professionals. We extend heartfelt thanks to our sponsor Allied Mineral Products and the volunteers who made this day a success. We look forward to bringing the sweet science of materials back to COSI next year!
By Nathan McIlwaine, PCSA chair
2025 COSI Big Science Celebration volunteers:
Allied Mineral Products: Emily Denton and Taylor Murphy
Owens Corning: Tim Powers (retired)
ACerS President’s Council of Student Advisors: Emilee Fortier, Tony Annerino, Sevag Momjian, Nathan McIlwaine
The rain did not dampen the excitement around learning about glass fibers. Lots of families stopped by the booth to witness the “sweet” demo.
Two siblings competing to pull the longest candy fiber temporarily halted foot traffic. Volunteers assisted to guide passersby and protect the delicate fibers.
Photos (Credit: Sevag Momjian)
