A 12-year-old boy is on a long road to recovery after a science experiment exploded, leaving him with second and third-degree burns over half his body.Barrett McKim lies in a hospital bed at the burn center in Augusta, Georgia.His dad Kyle says a science experiment at the family's home in Highlands, North Carolina seriously injured the boy. TRENDING STORIESAuthorities: 5 people stabbed in Savannah Police: Georgia woman killed, 2 others injured when speeding 14-year-old driver crashes into home Authorities: Train derails in Georgia"It involved a bunsen burner and he was using a number of things, alcohol was in the mix there," McKim said. "And somehow in that process, that got ignited and kinda blew up and back into his face. ...He's burned on about 50% of his body. And my understanding is that about 20% of those are third degree and 30% are second degree. Fortunately, he was wearing protective glasses, which certainly helped, but he was wearing a synthetic shirt, which ended up being a real contributor in the fire staying and trying to get that off as it kind of melted away."Barrett's mother was also badly burned while trying to save her son. "Caroline, although she's yet to believe it, she is a hero and I think is one of the reason that Barrett's alive," Kyle McKin said.A GoFundMe has been established for the family.Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, Kyle is just happy his boy is still alive. "We're very grateful the Lord protected him and he's alive," he said. "We continue to pray for healing for his little body and for his future. We know God has a real purpose for him."The prognosis is they're going to be in the hospital for several weeks, if not months.The family has four other children.