Although a bit different this year, Penn State Altoona will still present its annual Spooktacular Science event.
Each day from Oct. 26-31, visit this page or the Lions Learning Lab page on Facebook for videos of cool Halloween-themed experiments and at-home demonstrations for kids.
Spooktacular Science is hosted by Penn State Altoona's chemistry program.
As part of Spooktacular Science 2020, Penn State Altoona presents Creepy Colors!
Friday, October 30, 2020
As part of Spooktacular Science 2020, Penn State Altoona presents Ghost Rockets!
Instructions
Have you ever vigorously shaken a soft drink bottle? Carbon dioxide is released and the pressure of the gas could possibly make the top pop off. An Alka-Seltzer tablet contains two chemicals that react in water to form carbon dioxide. If the film canister is closed up, the pressure of the gas increases, causing the lid to launch like a rocket.
Materials
- Film canister with a snap-on lid (preferably clear or a mini M&M candy container with the lid detached, cut tab with scissors
- Water and tsp measuring spoon
- Alka-Seltzer® tablets
- We recommend this experiment be done OUTSIDE
Procedure
- Fill the film canister with 1 tsp of water.
- Place a 1/2 piece of Alka-Seltzer tablet in the film canister.
- Use an adult helper.
- Quickly place the lid on the canister and place it upside down on the ground outside. (If the lid fits too tightly or too loosely, it won't work.)
- Stand back and watch.
- Experiment with the amount of water and the size of the tablet!
Thursday, October 29, 2020
As part of Spooktacular Science 2020, Penn State Altoona presents Unfinished Ghost Business!
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
As part of Spooktacular Science 2020, Penn State Altoona presents Haunted Glass!
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
As part of Spooktacular Science 2020, Penn State Altoona presents Elephant Toothpaste!
Instructions
Expect to see lots of bubbles and foam! These are created from the quick breakdown of hydrogen peroxide as it turns into oxygen and water. Why did this happen so quickly? Adding yeast was the catalyst that speeds up the reaction and breaks down the hydrogen peroxide. Pretty exciting right? The dish soap traps the oxygen gas and creates all the fun foam!
Materials
- A clean plastic soda bottle or a water bottle
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 1 tbsp of dry yeast combined with 3 tbsp of warm water in a cup
- Food coloring
- 1/2 cup measuring cup, 1 tbsp measuring spoon, a funnel, and a tray
- Safety goggles and adult help
- We recommend this experiment be done OUTSIDE or on a wipeable surface on a tray.
Procedure
- Using the funnel pour 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the bottle, plus a few drops of food coloring (the color is optional).
- Add about 1 tbsp of liquid dish soap to the bottle and swirl.
- In a separate small cup, combine the warm water and the yeast together, and mix for about 30 seconds.
- Using the rinsed funnel, pour the yeast solution into the bottle. Watch all the foam!
Monday, October 26, 2020
As part of Spooktacular Science 2020, Penn State Altoona presents the Liquid Nitrogen Spooky Cloud!
