A cauldron of creativity is once again brewing at the University of Lethbridge, as kids are invited to participate in some bone-tingling and creepy experiments in the laboratory at the annual Spooky Science fair.
“Gooey, green, gross stuff is bubbling in beakers and potion ingredients, like sparkle dust, eye of newt and fairy hair, are being gathered,” says the folks at Let’s Talk Science. “All is being readied for two sessions of hands-on STEM activities with a Halloween twist.”
“We’re conjuring up scientific surprises, quirky contraptions and eerie delights,” notes Dr. Tegan Barry, an instructor in the Department of Biological Sciences and Spooky Science organizer. “Whether you’re a tiny trick-or-treater or a grown-up ghoul, there’s something magic waiting for you.”
But before the return of the Spooktacular Science Show, hosted by resident mad scientist Jackson Knott, children will have plenty of activities to spark their interest in science, including creepy chromatography, boo bubbles, the potion parlour, mystery ink, ghost cannons and stomp rockets.
Knott is a Chemistry and Biochemistry Department technical specialist and serves as a faculty advisor for Let’s Talk Science.
Spooky Science, Barry explains, is a series of inclusive and accessible activities geared at families with kids eight and under. “Of course, older kids and adults are also welcome. We’ll be having a series of interactive activities, where the attendees will be able to see some science in action, as well as some demonstrations.”
According to Barry, Spooky Science has been hosted at the U of L since 2012. “There was a hiatus during the pandemic, but the response has always been excellent.”
This year marks the return of the bombastic component of the event – the demonstrations, adds Barry. “Folks are pretty excited about it.”
There is no registration required, but attendance is capped at 150 participants due to safety regulations. And the first 30 families who attend each session will receive a Let’s Talk Science goody bag.
Knott says historically, other members of the Chemistry Department have put on similar types of demonstrations. “There’s going to be some colourful demonstrations, there’s going to be some gross spooky ones, and there’s going to be some flames and puking pumpkins.”
People love it when stuff lights on fire, Knott adds. “It’s definitely been missing around campus for the last few years, and to get to do it for the first time for a bunch of eager-to-learn kids is going to be awesome.”
There’s also a costume contest, and the winner gets to have a feature role in the show.
Spooky Science will be held in the Science Commons Atrium Oct. 25 from 4-6 p.m. and Oct. 26 from 2-4 p.m.
For more information about the event, visit online at eventbrite.ca/e/1770428502309.
