To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

A typical science fair might feature a robot or two and a mini volcano, but with robots, swords and zip lines, Jamboree hosts hope to help kids develop a lifelong love for science.

Alex Reiss and his 5-year-old son Jackson got their hands dirty experimenting with science Sunday.

“He has always been interested in the arts and in science, and he wants to be an explorer or scientist when he grows up. I think he's getting a benefit out of everything they have here,” Reiss said.

Event creator Pete Monfre said Jackson is at risk.

"They start elementary and they overwhelmingly love science, 92 percent of them. If you interview those same kids in seventh grade only 32 percent will say they love science. That's a loss of 60 percent of our future innovators before they even hit high school," he said.

Monfre said the problem comes from making science look “un-cool.”

“We need to show them example of peers who love science and are cool kids,” he said. “We are asking an awful lot of our teachers, so they need materials and support and training.”

Monfre said parental involvement also plays a huge role in inspiring children. Reiss said he’s taking that advice to heart.

“The idea is to have a very well rounded and well adjusted kid, and as parents, this is our part to show him all angles of all subjects and sides, and not to be pigeonholed into video games or sports or anything like that,” Reiss said.

Jamboree hosts say the final goal is to make better individuals and more competitive country.

YNN's parent company, Time Warner Cable, sponsored the event as part of our commitment to fostering interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. For more opportunities in your area, check out ConnectAMillionMinds.com.