CPAESS’s Own David Stuebing Volunteers at Super Science Saturday

On the first Saturday of November, the National Science Foundation’s NCAR Mesa Lab throws open its doors for Super Science Saturday. It is a public science celebration that invites thousands of curious people, including budding scientists, to explore Earth system science. This year, attendees numbered over 1400!

The event is planned by the UCAR Center for Science Education with support from other UCAR, NSF NCAR, and UCP programs, including volunteers from the UCAR | Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science (CPAESS).

Among the CPAESS volunteers this year was David Stuebing, a human resources administrator, who found himself on the UCAR campus that week for a team meeting and retreat, enabling him to stay an extra day to volunteer at the event. 

Stuebing arrived in a Jedi costume ready to volunteer at the NSF NCAR Science Wizards Showcase held in the Mesa Lab’s auditorium. As seating was limited, he was stationed at a table handing out bracelets that allowed admission to families for one of the three shows.

He explained that one of the Mesa Lab’s scientists – dressed as the Lord of Chaos – was intent on interfering with each of the science demonstrations. For example, in a demonstration about what makes a candle burn – vaporized wax, as it turns out – the Lord of Chaos battled the scientists, with his minion repeatedly lighting and relighting candles as the scientists put them out.

“You can light the smoke from an extinguished candle and the flame will travel back down the smoke trail and relight the candle wick,” Stuebing said. This is due to the presence of flammable, vaporized wax in the smoke. “Evenually, the scientists extinguished all of the candles by dousing them with carbon dioxide from a container of dry ice.”

Stuebing observed that time and again, the Lord of Chaos found himself defeated in his efforts to interfere with the laws of science. The event was visual and interactive, with lots of audience participation. The UCAR Center for Science Education confirms that as one of the most popular events, attendees love the NSF NCAR Wizards’ science demonstrations that are told in an engaging, story-driven format.

From weather balloon launches to weather-related magic tricks and science demonstrations by the supercomputing center aimed at families, everyone had a blast, Stuebing notes. 

“I love any opportunity to connect with the community and share that enthusiasm,” said Stuebing. “What was most enjoyable about Super Science Saturday was just this buzz of excitement about atmospheric science.”  While Stuebing knew about much of the science, he learned more about aspects of UCAR that employees don’t always see about the organization, especially about how it connects with the community. 

Super Science Saturday will return to the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab on Saturday, November 7, 2026 for what will be its 30th anniversary.