Science & Technology
Thu, October 23, 2025
Free 'Spooky Science' event set for Monday at Barboursville Park
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Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 8:49 GMT by The Herald-Dispatch🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Free “Spooky Science” Event Set for Monday at Barboursville Park
Barboursville, West Virginia – On Monday, October 29, 2024, the community will gather for a one‑day, free “Spooky Science” event hosted at Barboursville Park. Organized by the West Virginia Academy of Science (WVAS) in partnership with the Barboursville Library and local volunteers, the event aims to combine Halloween fun with hands‑on science demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and a touch of friendly fright.
Why “Spooky Science”?
The event’s theme—spooky science—was chosen to appeal to families and school groups looking for engaging, low‑cost activities that spark curiosity in young minds. “We want to demystify science and show it can be thrilling,” said Dr. Karen Lee, Director of the WVAS’s Outreach Program. “Halloween is the perfect excuse to explore the mysteries of the universe in a playful way.”
Schedule and Activities
The day runs from 11 am to 3 pm, with a “midnight” science demonstration scheduled for 12:30 am (the park’s main pavilion is open until 1 am for the event). The activities are divided into four themed stations:
| Station | Description | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Ghostly Galaxies | An interactive light‑painting station that teaches about the electromagnetic spectrum and cosmic radiation. Participants use ultraviolet lamps to trace constellations on a “night sky” backdrop. | Stars emit light across the spectrum; UV radiation can reveal hidden patterns. |
| Zombie Physics | A hands‑on demonstration of Newton’s laws using a “zombie” that is dragged by a rope to show inertia and acceleration. The rope is attached to a small cart that travels along a track of varying friction. | The force required to move a body depends on its mass and the friction it encounters. |
| Spooky Chemistry | A bubbling “murder” experiment where participants mix vinegar and baking soda to create a “fuming” effect that mimics a laboratory disaster. Safety goggles and gloves are provided. | Acid–base reactions release carbon dioxide gas; controlling the reaction rate can prevent “explosions.” |
| Paranormal Investigations | A “ghost‑hunting” game that uses simple EMF detectors and a “haunted” audio playback to illustrate how perception can be influenced by sound and light. | The human brain is wired to detect patterns, sometimes leading to false positives. |
In addition to the four stations, a “Science Museum” tent will display a rotating selection of student‑made projects and a “Science‑Story Corner” where a local storyteller reads spooky tales interwoven with scientific explanations.
Community Involvement
The event relies heavily on volunteers from the local school district, the Barboursville Library, and the WVAS. Volunteers are trained beforehand in safety protocols and how to guide children through each station. “It’s a wonderful way for local teachers and students to see science in action and for the community to come together,” said Library Director Maya Patel.
Logistics and Amenities
Barboursville Park, a 30‑acre municipal park located at 1200 Main Street, offers a spacious pavilion, picnic tables, and a playground. The park’s map shows a dedicated area for the “Spooky Science” event, including a main stage, the four activity stations, and a “food truck” line that will provide Halloween‑themed snacks such as “moon‑rock” popcorn and “spooky‑soda” drinks.
Transportation is straightforward: the event is within walking distance of the downtown area. A free shuttle service from the city center will run every 30 minutes between 9 am and 3 pm. Parking is available in the park’s west lot for those arriving by car.
Ticketing and Registration
Admission is free, but families are encouraged to register online to secure a spot in the limited‑capacity “midnight” demonstration. Registration can be completed at the WVAS event page: https://www.wvasci.org/spooky-science. The page lists the following information:
- Event Date: Monday, October 29, 2024
- Location: Barboursville Park, 1200 Main Street
- Time: 11 am – 3 pm (12:30 am midnight demo)
- Registration Deadline: Monday, October 28, 2024
- Capacity: 200 families (first‑come, first‑served)
The registration page also includes a FAQ section that addresses common concerns: the event is family‑friendly, all activities are safe, and the park offers restroom facilities and a first‑aid station.
Supporting Organizations
The event is funded by several local businesses and the West Virginia Academy of Science. The WVAS’s “Science in the Community” grant, awarded in 2023, covered equipment rentals and volunteer stipends. Local sponsors include:
- Barboursville Pharmacy: Provided free hand sanitizer and health‑check stations.
- Greenfield Lumber Co.: Supplied the structural support for the activity tents.
- Civic Bank: Offered a small grant to cover the cost of the midnight demonstration’s lighting.
Expected Impact
According to Dr. Lee, “The goal is to inspire the next generation of scientists by showing that science can be scary in a good way. We hope to increase interest in STEM courses among the local high‑school students by at least 15 % over the next academic year.”
The WVAS will conduct a post‑event survey to evaluate participation and measure the event’s effectiveness in raising STEM engagement.
What to Bring
Attendees are advised to bring a reusable water bottle, a light jacket (it can get chilly by 12 am), and a camera to capture the fun. Children should wear comfortable shoes suitable for outdoor activities. The park’s staff will be on hand to assist with any special needs.
Final Thoughts
The “Spooky Science” event at Barboursville Park promises an exciting blend of science, community, and Halloween spirit. With free admission, a wide array of hands‑on activities, and the support of local organizations, the event sets a high bar for community‑driven STEM outreach. It is a must‑visit for families looking to turn a normal Monday into an unforgettable adventure in the world of science and the supernatural.
For more details, visit the WVAS event page or check the Barboursville Park’s official site for directions and parking information.
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