The annual Colorado State University Chemistry Club Halloween Show brought back a fun day of spooky science demonstrations and trick-or-treating for people of all ages at CSU’s Chemistry Building Oct. 25.
Held from 2-5 p.m., several families around the Fort Collins area were welcomed to CSU for a day full of hands-on science, technology, engineering and math activities. With several demonstrations, including slime making, arts and crafts, tie-dye and face paint, students and families in the community were able to get a feel for the chemistry department and workforce.
“(The kids) just seem to have a lot of fun and realize that they kind of like science and that it’s not all of those really big equations you see,” said Paige Farley, a first-year CSU student.
The event was entirely run by volunteers from several clubs and organizations at CSU, including the Society of Physics Students, Entomology Club, Biomedical Student Association, Forensic Science Society and Little Shop of Physics. The event also exposed the public to new forms of science.
“I feel events like this are kind of that gateway for kids to go, ‘Oh, maybe I am interested in science,’” said Heather Michalak, the director of Little Shop of Physics. “My hope is that events like this help show the public that they can come, and they do belong.”
The Chemistry Club also hosted three Halloween-inspired experiences: the Mad Scientist Show, where members showcased their chemistry skills; the Liquid Nitrogen Show, which mesmerized audiences as liquid nitrogen behaved like magic; and the Pumpkin Trebuchet, presented by the Society of Physics Students to demonstrate the science behind projectiles.
“I have just always loved science, so to be able to teach kids this kind of stuff is really exciting. STEM is such a fun aspect of our lives, and science is everywhere.” –Megan TerLouw, CSU biomedical sciences student
Along with engaging in various science-based activities, children and families were able to go trick-or-treating around the Chemistry Building. With the several eerie decorations around the building, children could experience a fun Halloween event while dressed up in a variety of costumes.
“I am so excited to see all these cool kids running around and enjoying science,” Physics Lab Coordinator Kenneth Lonnquist said. “Hopefully this allows them to get a little more excited about science, too.”
The Forensic Science Society also hosted a fingerprint and handwriting analysis for children and families to participate in. By using ink pads to transfer their fingerprint to a blown-up balloon, individuals were able to learn about the different patterns, gaining insight into their personalities.
“We just started this club over the summer, and we launched in the fall, so we feel really lucky to participate and be included,” Forensic Society President Jules Webb said. “I think it’s really important to introduce kids to STEM and give children a sense of what forensics is.”
The event also hosted a potion-making workshop, letting children watch the reaction between baking soda and vinegar. When a weak base and an acid were mixed together, they neutralized each other and produced a bubbly reaction, much to the excitement of the children watching.
The Entomology Club contributed to the excitement by opening the CSU bug room for those who wanted to explore and learn about a number of interesting bugs.
“I have just always loved science, so to be able to teach kids this kind of stuff is really exciting,” biomedical sciences student Megan TerLouw said. “STEM is such a fun aspect of our lives, and science is everywhere.”
CSU’s Little Shop of Physics is an organization that combines creativity with science through engaging tasks and events. By using upcycled items from around one’s home, the organization invites students to participate in several unique science experiments.
“My favorite thing here would probably be the infrared camera, which allows us to see from an impaired light that our eyes can’t usually,” Lonnquist said. “Seeing the world in a different part of the spectrum is kind of magical to me, and that’s honestly why I love it here so much.”
Reach Jenna Espinoza at science@collegian.com or on social media @RMCollegian.
