Science events draws more than 170 children

Budding scientists took control of Southeast Missouri State University's laboratories Friday for the university's Halloween Science Night.

"We were interested in children imagining themselves as scientists, and Halloween is the time when children dress up and pretend. It seemed the perfect time to get them to pretend they were scientists and see what scientists do," said chemistry instructor Dr. Marcus Bond.

The event was funded by a grant Bond secured from the American Chemical Society.

Shannon McNew, biology instructor and event organizer, said nights like this help children learn more about science.

"I think it is important to have events like this to encourage younger kids to get interested in science," McNew said.

She said 176 children ages 5 to 12 attended Friday's event. They were given access to 16 classrooms featuring demonstrations ranging from superconductors to microbiology. Children also participated in several hands-on activities, including creating bubbles and making their own slime. Every child received a lab apron and safety glasses and was allowed to take home a Venus flytrap.

Children attending the event said they were gaining a new understanding of science.

"I think this is cool. I don't usually get to do stuff like this. It makes me want to learn more about science," 9-year-old Claire Costello said. The Advance, Mo., girl said her favorite part of the night was the glow room, where she and others learned about the chemical process behind glow sticks.

Others had trouble deciding on a favorite activity.

"There are a lot of choices; there are a lot of favorites. The bubble room was pretty cool, and the glow room was cool. I did learn some new things," said 11-year-old Sam Warren of Sikeston, Mo.

In addition to members of Southeast's faculty, 100 student volunteers from Southeast were at the event to help lead demonstrations and experiments.

Andrea Honerkamp, a microbiology major, assisted with an X-ray demonstration and said she was really enjoying the event.

"It is really good to expose children to science because it is not something they see a lot of in school. They get the lessons, but they don't get the fun behind it. I like seeing the kids have fun, seeing them enjoy science. It is not boring to them anymore," Honerkamp said.

After the attendees visited the classrooms, they watched large experiments conducted by Southeast instructors. The night concluded with a pumpkin explosion.

This was the first year for Halloween Science Night.

"We hope it will become an annual event," Bond said. "It seems like it was a success."

In addition to the American Chemical Society, sponsors and participating organizations for Halloween Science Night included Southeast's departments of chemistry, biology and physics, Southeast's Chemistry Club, the Missouri NASA Education Program and the Missouri Conservation Department.