Another Friday night at Hancock College, another night of mystifying chemical reactions.

Friday Night Science returned to Hancock last week, thanks to a federal grant designed to entice more kids to attend college. 

This was the first of two Friday Night Science events scheduled during the academic year, hosted from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Room M-310 on Hancock's Santa Maria campus. The second will be held May 4.

The night kicked off with a demonstration of chemical reactions, mixed in with a few experiments such as the "screaming gummy bear," the "carbide cannon" and bottle rockets. 

The Friday Night Science series is a continuation of last school year's events that were attended by more than 1,500 students and community members. 

Participants at each event watch a demonstration of scientific principles before taking part in dozens of hands-on experiments set up throughout the science building.