School may be nearing an end, but science is still on the schedule for the Howard County Library's Central Branch on Monday. But don't worry, Marc Clayton's entertaining experiments using household items - including balloons and bicycle wheels - will make these lessons in chemistry and physics more like hocus-pocus than homework.

Wanting to combine 25 years of scientific study and a desire to play in front of people, Clayton, a mechanical engineer at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, has created a show with some surprises, lots of interaction and plenty of information. He invites people of all ages to learn that science is everywhere, and you can learn to recognize it around you.

After the one-hour presentation, librarians will have science-related books on hand so children can learn more. Clayton tells his audiences, "If you want to get smart, you have to put some energy into it, open a book and read about the things you love, the things you are interested in."

The event is at 7 p.m. at 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. The event is free, but registration is required at the branch or by calling 410-313-7880.