Pumpkin Explosion
October 28th, 2022
The ghost bubble demonstration.
The explosive chemical reactions demonstrated by the American Chemical Society delighted the audience.
Children covering their ears in anticipation of the explosion.
To ring in Halloweekend, Washington College’s American Chemical Society held its 9th annual Pumpkin Explosion event in the Toll Atrium on October 28th. Students and community members enjoyed a variety of science-related festivities, including witnessing the pre-carved pumpkins explode! Attendees also had the opportunity to paint mini pumpkins while waiting for the main event to start, as well as enjoy some Halloween-themed snacks. Additional activities also included a “ghost bubble” demonstration, which were smoky bubbles made of dish soap and dry ice. Demonstrators also made “elephant toothpaste,” or dish soap mixed with chemicals and dye in graduated cylinders to create colorful bursts of foam. Attendees also gathered in Litrena to watch a glow-in-the-dark chemical demonstration, where the demonstrators elicited the same chemical reaction found in glow sticks. At the main event, four carved pumpkins were blown up to the excitement of the crowd, using flammable chemicals sealed inside the hollowed pumpkins. After the heat was added, the pumpkins would explode and pop out the carved designs. This event is a wondrous experience for all ages and a fond tradition in the Chestertown community.
An elephant toothpaste burst.
The glow stick demonstration in Litrena.
Coverage by Iris Scherr ‘25