Picture Perfect Chemistry at the Spooky Mad Science Expo
CSW celebrated National Chemistry week this year by running chemistry-based activities for kids at the Spooky Mad Science Expo in Alexandria, VA. CSW was joined by dozens of other local groups to spread science and fun on a sunny October Saturday. CSW’s demonstrations were all centered around this year’s photography and imaging theme, “Picture Perfect Chemistry”. Our volunteers used their skills to walk kids and families through multiple activities:
- Imaging without light: a demonstration of magnetic imaging with fridge magnets and a magnetic field-line viewer
- An opportunity to dress like a chemist, have a photo taken with an instant camera, and learn about the chemistry of film
- A pinhole camera demonstration that STEM ED Club students had prepared
- Temporary tattoos provided an opportunity to talk about how adhesion is used to transfer images
- UV light printmaking: participants were able to use plastic stencils, UV-sensitive paper, and UV flashlights to make unique prints and watch the chemical reaction of the photosensitive paper occur right before their eyes
- Secret message pens: CSW handed out fluorescent ink pens with ultraviolet lights that revealed hidden messages. The lights on the pens were also used to reveal the security markings on a 5-dollar bill
CSW also handed out copies of Celebrating Chemistry, as well as homemade stickers and buttons made by our own Lauren Ragle. More than 100 kids and families came by our booth to learn about the chemistry behind photography and imaging.
