Annual Pumpkin Explosion
October 27th, 2021
The explosive chemical reactions demonstrated by the American Chemical Society delighted the audience.
While waiting for the demonstrations to start students sit in Toll Atrium, appropriately decked out for Halloween, munched on treats from the bake sale while letting their creative juices flow while painting some pumpkins.
Coverage by Emma Russell ‘23
A beloved Halloween tradition returned to Washington College on Wednesday October 27th when the American Chemical Society and the Gamma Eta Chapter of the Gamma Sigma Epsilon Honor Society co-hosted their eighth annual Explosive Pumpkin Event in the McLain Atrium of the John S. Toll Science Center. Before the chemical demonstrations began, students had the opportunity to paint pumpkins and purchase treats from the Halloween themed bake sale. All proceeds from the bake sale go towards raising money for science programs within public schools and to help pay the costs of the materials needed for the experiments. The chemical demonstrations started a bit late due to a lighter malfunction, but once some of the chemicals were switched around and a new lighter was supplied senior Michael Roseman was able to provide onlookers with the big bang they were anticipating.
After a few technical mishaps, Michael Roseman was able to get the pre-carved bits of the pumpkin to pop out and the audience cheered in delight at the destruction of fruit thanks to science.