When they weren't wiring up batteries from scratch or being held upside down on stage by an astronaut, kids were learning a lot about how scientists work at Family Science Days at the 2012 AAAS Annual Meeting.

The popular free event gives children and families a chance to experiment at dozens of table-top laboratories and talk directly with scientists about killer whales, alien worlds, the mysteries of the brain, and much more.

Want to see for yourself? Family Science Days continues 19 February at the Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building, Exhibit Hall B1.