The ignition of a hydrogen-filled balloon was the last of four interactive demonstrations in the new Wild Inspirations Science Show.
The show is being held daily at the museum throughout the Easter school holidays.
Science co-ordinator Blair Robertson said the experiment was designed to show what would happen if the technology did not exist to detect hazardous gases in mines, but was also an exciting way to wrap up the show.
"It’s all about getting the kids involved, having fun and taking something away."
Another experiment demonstrated how the shape of a kingfisher’s beak helped the design of bullet trains.
Children dropped cones and other shapes into water, and could see the cone shape did not make a splash.
How corrugated iron resembled sea shells and how wild burrs inspired velcro were also demonstrated.
Yesterday’s show had been "great" and everyone was very happy, Mr Robertson said.
The event drew about a dozen children, as well as parents and caregivers.
Among them was Addison Corkhill (6), of Dunedin, who said it was fun watching the balloon pop, and it had been her favourite part of the event.
