Science Museum hosts glow-in-the dark discovery night Friday

Science Museum Oklahoma explores the eerie science behind things that go bump in the night at Friday’s Not-So-Frightening Fun Night.

Clint Stone, director of education and training, said the overnight event focuses on elements of Halloween that are sometimes linked with the supernatural but can be explained and created through basic science.

“The science overnight will give the kids a chance to explore the freakish science that actually makes those things work in the natural world,” Stone said. “We’ll be focusing on the eerie, but we’ll be learning the science behind it. How do we make these things that seem ‘wow’ and amazing? How do we make them work? And then how do we learn the science behind the things we consider creepy?”

Check-in begins at 6 p.m., and the family-friendly event begins 7 p.m. Friday as Science Museum Oklahoma transforms into a giant laboratory where holiday-themed experiments enable youth to create slime by combining different molecules and glow-in-the-dark “radioactive” quicksand with cornstarch, water and other elements. Guests also will make their own treats from a brew of liquid nitrogen and an erupting jack-o’-lantern. Other activities include hands-on work with snakes and Madagascar hissing roaches.

“This is a great family outing. Kids come with their parents, kids come with their friends or their friends’ parents,” Stone said. “This is a great opportunity really for everybody. I would encourage parents to come; it’ll really be a lot of fun for them.”

Groups of six or more children must be accompanied by at least one adult, Stone said. Younger children who aren’t yet comfortable alone also should attend with a parent or guardian. Admission is $35-$45 per child and $25 per adult. Breakfast will be provided.

“There are so many things that can be enjoyed with this, from having fun with the chemistry and being able to make things and understand things at a level they didn’t understand before,” Stone said.

Participants also might enjoy the delicacy of mealworm cookies, which Stone said are packed with energy-giving calories, protein and fiber.

“That’s something that these kids and families will go and they’ll tell their school friends and their work buddies [about] on Monday,” he said.

The night also includes a special Halloween Science Live planetarium show.

“We’re making sure that when they leave, they still have the knowledge and understanding to perform some of these experiments safely at home and the relevance of how what they’ve learned relates to their daily lives,” Stone said.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own sleeping bags or air mattresses, extra clothes and towels. Costumes also are encouraged.

Guests must call 602-3760 to register before 3 p.m. Thursday.

(Design: Christopher Street)

(Design: Christopher Street)

Print Headline: Spooky Science, Science Museum Oklahoma hosts an overnight holiday event filled with goo, space travel and glow-in-the dark discovery.

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